Timeline of Jeffrey Epstein's Relationships with Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, Compared to His Pedophilia and Sex Trafficking Charges Below is a combined chronological timeline based on documented events from reliable sources. It highlights key interactions between Epstein and Clinton/Trump, alongside Epstein's legal proceedings related to the abuse and trafficking of underage girls (often referred to as pedophilia charges in media coverage). The timeline focuses on the 1990s–2019 period, when these relationships were active and charges emerged. Note that while both Clinton and Trump socialized with Epstein during this era, neither has been charged with any wrongdoing related to his crimes, and both have denied knowledge of his illegal activities. | Year | Epstein-Clinton Events | Epstein-Trump Events | Epstein's Legal Events (Pedophilia/Sex Trafficking) | |------------|------------------------|----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Late 1980s–Early 1990s | Epstein donates $1,000 to Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign (1991) and $10,000 to the White House Historical Association (1993). Accompanied by Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein attends a White House donors' reception hosted by President Clinton (1993). | Epstein and Trump become neighbors in Palm Beach, FL (Epstein buys mansion in 1990; Trump owns Mar-a-Lago since 1985). They visit each other's properties regularly. | No known investigations or charges. Epstein's wealth and social circle grow, but allegations of abuse begin emerging privately later in the decade. | | 1992 | - | Trump invites Epstein to a Mar-a-Lago party filmed by NBC, where they discuss women. Epstein attends Trump's wedding to Marla Maples. | No known investigations. | | 1993–1995 | Epstein visits the White House at least 17 times (1993–1995), including meetings with Clinton aide Mark Middleton, who facilitates access. Epstein and Maxwell attend a fundraising dinner at Ron Perelman's Palm Beach home with Clinton (1995). | Trump flies on Epstein's private jet ("Lolita Express") multiple times (e.g., April 23, October 11, and October 17, 1993). Model Stacey Williams reports an uncomfortable encounter with both at Trump Tower (1993). Epstein attends events with Trump and his family. | No public charges, but early victim accounts (later revealed) date back to this period, including recruitment of underage girls for "massages." | | 1995–1997 | Lynn Forester de Rothschild corresponds with Clinton about discussing Epstein's financial ideas (April 1995). | Trump flies on Epstein's jet seven times total (1993–1997), including May 15, 1994, and January 5, 1997. They are photographed together at Mar-a-Lago and a 1997 Victoria's Secret event. Trump inscribes a book to Epstein: "You are the greatest!" (1997). Maria Farmer encounters Trump in Epstein's office (1995). | No charges. Epstein's abuse network expands, per later FBI reports identifying victims from this era. | | 2000 | - | Virginia Giuffre, then 16, is recruited by Maxwell as Epstein's masseuse while working at Mar-a-Lago spa. Trump later claims Epstein "stole" her from the club. | No public charges, but Giuffre later sues (2015), alleging trafficking began around this time. | | 2001–2002 | Post-presidency, Clinton flies on Epstein's jet at least 17 times (2001–2003) for Clinton Foundation work, including a 2002 Africa trip with Kevin Spacey and Chris Tucker. Clinton visits Epstein's NYC apartment (2002) and praises him publicly as a "committed philanthropist." Epstein helps conceive the Clinton Global Initiative. | Trump describes Epstein in New York magazine: "I've known Jeff for 15 years. Terrific guy... he likes beautiful women... many on the younger side" (2002). | No charges yet, but Palm Beach police later identify victims abused during 2001–2002. | | 2003 | Alleged visit by Clinton to Epstein's Little St. James island (January; disputed, no Secret Service confirmation). Clinton skips an Epstein dinner invitation but contributes a note to Epstein's 50th birthday album. Maxwell attends early Clinton Foundation events. | Trump sends Epstein a birthday letter with a crude drawing implying shared interests in women (disputed authenticity; released 2025). | No charges. | | 2004–2005 | Contact begins to taper; last major interactions around 2003–2005. | Falling out: Trump and Epstein compete to buy a Palm Beach mansion; Trump wins and cuts off communication (2004). Epstein's phone records show no calls after this. Palm Beach police investigation begins (2005) after a parent reports abuse of her 14-year-old daughter. FBI identifies 36 underage victims. | 2005 Investigation Starts: Palm Beach PD probes Epstein for abusing minors (some as young as 14); searches find photos and hidden cameras. This marks the onset of public scrutiny into his pedophilia network. | | 2006–2007 | No documented contact. Maxwell continues loose ties to Clinton circle (e.g., 2009 yacht trip with Chelsea Clinton). | Trump bans Epstein from Mar-a-Lago after Epstein allegedly harasses a teenage member's daughter (2007). Epstein claims he was never a member and that Trump knew about "the girls." | 2006 Arrest: Epstein arrested July 27 on state felony charges of procuring/soliciting a minor for prostitution; released on bond. Palm Beach PD affidavit details 17 victims. 2007 Plea Negotiations: Federal prosecutors draft 60-count indictment; U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta (later Trump's Labor Secretary) brokers controversial non-prosecution agreement for immunity. | | 2008 | Clinton's office later states no contact since 2003. | Epstein's guilty plea (see below). Trump distances himself publicly. | 2008 Conviction: June 30, Epstein pleads guilty in Florida to procuring a child for prostitution and solicitation; sentenced to 18 months (serves 13 with work release). Released July 2009, followed by house arrest until 2010. Plea deal criticized for leniency and violating victims' rights. | | 2009–2018 | Maxwell attends Chelsea Clinton's wedding (2010) and CGI events (up to 2013); Clinton spokesperson says they were not close. Giuffre lawsuit (2015) names Clinton as a witness (testimony denied 2016). | Epstein emails (2011–2017) claim Trump was his "closest friend for 10 years" and spent time with Giuffre. "Katie Johnson" sues Trump/Epstein for 1994 rape allegation (2016; withdrawn). No contact per Trump. | Renewed scrutiny: 2018 Miami Herald exposé on plea deal. Victims file suits; 2019 DOJ review slams Acosta. | | 2019 | Epstein arrested July 6; Clinton issues statement confirming 2002–2003 flights but denying island visits or knowledge of crimes. Unsealed docs confirm no post-2003 contact. | Trump: No contact for 15 years; promotes Epstein death conspiracies. Epstein's emails reference Trump knowing about victims. | 2019 Federal Charges: Arrested July 6 in NYC on sex trafficking of minors (2002–2005); indicted July 8 for conspiracy. Denied bail July 18. Dies by suicide August 10; charges dismissed August 29. French probe opens August 23. | Comparison Overlap with Charges: Both Clinton and Trump's closest documented interactions with Epstein occurred in the early 2000s (e.g., flights, events, praise), predating the 2005 Palm Beach investigation that uncovered his abuse of dozens of underage girls. Their relationships began in the early 1990s (social/financial ties) and peaked around 2002–2003, but both had significantly diminished or ended contact by 2004–2007—before Epstein's 2008 conviction. No evidence links either directly to Epstein's crimes; victims like Giuffre have not accused them of abuse, though Epstein's logs and emails mention them frequently in social contexts. Key Differences: Trump's ties were more socially oriented (parties, flights in 1990s, Mar-a-Lago overlap) and ended abruptly in a 2004 business dispute, with a full ban by 2007. Clinton's were more professional/philanthropic (post-2001 flights for Foundation work) and faded gradually after 2003. Trump's 2002 quote and 2003 note highlight a chummier tone, while Clinton's praise was tied to Epstein's "philanthropy." Post-Charges Scrutiny: The 2019 federal charges revived questions, but both men distanced themselves publicly. Recent 2024–2025 document releases (e.g., flight logs, emails) have fueled media coverage without new allegations against them. This timeline draws from court documents, flight logs, and witness accounts; full details vary by source due to ongoing unsealing of Epstein files.

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