A colossal ten-foot replica of a birthday card, bearing Donald Trump’s signature, materialized on the National Mall, timed to coincide with Jeffrey Epstein’s birthday.
The unsettling display, erected by a group calling themselves ‘The Secret Handshake,’ reproduces a letter containing a message from Trump to the convicted sex offender. The card’s design incorporates the outline of a nude woman, adding a disturbing layer to the already controversial piece.
The message itself reads, “We have certain things in common, Jeffrey… a pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.” The appearance of Trump’s signature ignited immediate outrage when the original note surfaced last year.
The White House swiftly dismissed the card’s authenticity, with a spokesperson asserting that President Trump did not draw the image or sign the note. They maintain he had no knowledge of Epstein’s crimes despite past social interactions.
Despite the denials, the installation has become a focal point for public commentary, with markers provided for passersby to leave messages directed at the Trump administration. ‘The Secret Handshake’ secured permission to keep the display in place until January 23rd.
This isn’t the first provocative act by the group. They previously erected a large bronze statue depicting Trump and Epstein holding hands near the US Capitol, accompanied by a plaque celebrating their “long-lasting bond.”
The White House downplayed the installation, suggesting it was a frivolous expenditure by political opponents. A spokesperson pointed to Trump’s decision to remove Epstein from his club, characterizing him as a “creep.”
The renewed attention to the card coincides with mounting pressure on Trump and his administration to fully release files related to Epstein. To date, only approximately 1% of the total documents have been made public.
The released files – encompassing photos, notes, and legal documents – represent a small fraction of the government’s holdings. Estimates suggest it could take eight years to review and disclose the remaining material, even with a substantial legal team dedicated to the task.
This protracted timeline directly contradicts the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandated the release of all unclassified information within 30 days. The slow pace of disclosure fuels speculation and intensifies calls for complete transparency.
The Justice Department acknowledges the immense undertaking, stating that while progress has been significant, “substantial work remains to be done.” The prospect of a full release extending beyond a potential second Trump term raises serious concerns about accountability.
