Donald Trump denies ever visiting Jeffrey Epstein’s private Caribbean island

During a meeting on July 28, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he never visited Jeffrey Epstein’s private island, Little Saint James, where many of Epstein’s alleged crimes were reported to have occurred. Trump said he was invited to the island but declined the invitation.

Trump, who knew Epstein socially in the past, has said their friendship ended before Epstein’s 2019 arrest. When asked about the reason for the falling out, Trump declined to give detailed explanations.

The Trump administration has faced scrutiny regarding its handling of evidence connected to Epstein’s trafficking case. In 2021, Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former associate, was convicted on charges related to child sex trafficking. Maxwell reportedly provided information to investigators about individuals connected to Epstein.

In July 2025, The Wall Street Journal reported that former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who advised Trump during his presidency, informed him that his name appeared in some Epstein-related materials and that the Department of Justice would limit evidence disclosure. Trump has denied ever being told this.

Trump is currently suing The Wall Street Journal over previous reporting alleging inappropriate behavior related to Epstein.

On the 2024 campaign trail, Trump has indicated that he may release more information related to Epstein’s case and other associated matters.