‘I Threw Epstein Out’: Trump’s Past Ties to Sex Offender Come Back to 'Haunt' Him

Trump Speaks About Jeffrey Epstein: While campaigning for Republican candidate Jon Husted in Ohio ahead of the US midterm elections, US President Donald Trump stroke a controversy with his remark on late convicted sex offender Jeffry Epstein on Wednesday. During his speech, a heckler interrupted with a comment on Trump and his relationship with Jeffry Epstien. To which, Trump responded that Epstein was a "wackjob," so he had to throw his out of his club 20 years ago. 

“I threw Epstein out of a club like 20 years ago because I thought he was a wackjob,” Trump said, drawing cheers from the crowd. He added, “That was a great thing I did; I must tell you.” Trump also claimed that he had been “totally exonerated” in relation to Epstein. The president has not been formally accused of wrongdoing connected to Epstein’s crimes.

Epstein was a wealthy financier who was convicted of sex offences and later faced federal sex trafficking charges. He was found dead in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on those charges. Trump’s remarks come after his administration faced criticism in 2025 over its handling of government files relating to the federal investigation into Epstein. The controversy intensified in July 2025, when The Wall Street Journal published a report about a birthday letter Trump allegedly wrote to Epstein in 2003. The letter reportedly contained the line, “May every day be another wonderful secret.” Trump disputed the report.

A news media channel shared on their social media account Trump's purported clip, which is now removed on many YouTube channels broadcasting Trump's official speech in Ohio. 

🔴 TRUMP’TAN EPSTEIN MESAFESİ! “Epstein sapkın biriydi. Benimle hiçbir zaman yakın olmadı.” https://t.co/6OxC4sU3N9

— NewsPulse (@NPulseNews) October 29, 2026

Trump and Epstein moved in some of the same wealthy social circles decades ago. However, Trump has largely avoided discussing their past association publicly.

Also Read: Black Sea Outruns Hormuz Posing Greater Danger to Sailors

During Wednesday’s rally, Trump also criticised protesters who have repeatedly interrupted his campaign appearances across the country in recent weeks, describing them as “sick, weak people”. The tight race makes Ohio an important battleground for Republicans. Trump’s appearances are intended to strengthen support for the party, although his comments about Epstein have attracted attention beyond the candidates’ political positions.

Another viral video showed the heckler was escorted by the security guards. 

Trump is protested minutes into his Ohio rally: "TRUMP WENT ON THE JEFFREY EPSTEIN PLANE!" https://t.co/aW7NFeX04u

— FactPost (@factpostnews) October 28, 2026

Epstein Charges, Conviction, and Death 

Born in 1953, he worked as a teacher before entering the financial sector and building relationships with prominent figures in politics, business and entertainment. In 2008, Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida to state charges involving the solicitation of prostitution, including from a minor, and was sentenced to 18 months in jail. The plea deal drew widespread criticism for its leniency. In July 2019, federal prosecutors in New York charged him with sex trafficking of minors, alleging that he had sexually exploited dozens of underage girls over several years.

Epstein death in a New York jail in August 2019 was ruled a suicide by the medical examiner. His former associate Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted in 2021 of helping recruit and groom underage girls for Epstein and was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022.