On July 28, 2025, in Scotland, President Donald Trump shocked U.K. leaders by addressing the Jeffrey Epstein scandal directly. Standing with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump denied ever visiting Epstein’s island while pointing to Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, and others as frequent associates.
He said he cut ties with Epstein in the 2000s after Epstein tried to recruit his staff, calling him “persona non grata.” Trump dismissed rumors about a drawing linked to Epstein and labeled the scandal a “hoax,” adding it would be inappropriate to discuss pardons for Ghislaine Maxwell. His remarks shifted scrutiny toward political rivals.