House Democrats Ro Khanna and Robert Garcia have officially requested a complete, unredacted copy of Jeffrey Epstein's so-called "birthday book" from the late financier's estate attorneys. The California lawmakers argue that the book, reportedly containing a personal message from US President Donald Trump, is essential to congressional oversight regarding the Trump administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's longtime associate now serving a 20-year prison sentence for conspiring to traffic minors, the leather-bound album includes birthday greetings from Epstein's affluent social circle. The book was created to celebrate Epstein's 50th birthday and allegedly features contributions from Trump, Bill Clinton, Alan Dershowitz, and other powerful figures.

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, Trump’s entry includes an imagined dialogue between "Donald" and "Jeffrey" along with a sketch of a naked woman. The New York Times also published an image of Maxwell's dedication to Epstein, fueling public and political interest in the book's full contents.

Trump’s legal response

Trump is suing the Wall Street Journal, calling the letter attributed to him "fake and nonexistent" in a federal lawsuit. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to the Epstein scandal. His legal actions come amid broader demands from both his political base and critics for transparency regarding his connections to Epstein.

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Lawyers representing the Epstein estate have not yet responded to the Democrats' request. However, Brad Edwards, who represents numerous Epstein victims, told MSNBC that he believes the estate will comply. "I know the executors are in possession of this book," Edwards stated.

Khana and Garcia's request underscores rising political pressure to access the Jeffrey Epstein files. The Trump administration has even faced pressure from within its own base to release more documents. Meanwhile, Democrats are using the issue to highlight concerns over secrecy and influence at the highest levels of power.

Earlier this week, US Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly informed Trump that his name appears multiple times in files related to the Epstein investigation. Trump subsequently directed Bondi to pursue the release of grand jury transcripts from Florida. However, the request was denied by a judge, with a similar case still pending in New York.

Trump's relationship with Epstein in the 1990s and early 2000s was well documented. While the president has claimed he cut ties with Epstein in 2004 and has not been accused of criminal conduct, renewed attention on their past association has intensified scrutiny.

Democrats cite public interest

In their letter to the estate, Khanna and Garcia argue the birthday book is "relevant for ongoing congressional oversight of the Department of Justice's handling of the Epstein investigation and prosecution." They also criticize the Trump administration for selectively declassifying and withholding significant portions of the Epstein files.

"The American people deserve to know who was involved in Epstein's trafficking network and if they are in positions of power in our government," Garcia said, reinforcing the push for transparency as part of a broader battle over justice and accountability.

The Democrats have requested the book be delivered by August 10, 2025.