Democratic politicians on the House Oversight Committee released on Monday a note reportedly written by Donald Trump to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003 on the latter's birthday that alluded to their "wonderful secret."

The note, which includes a short dialogue between "Donald" and "Jeffrey," was reportedly part of a book compiled from letters that Epstein's friends wrote to him for his 50th birthday.

The financier and sex offender was accused of sexually abusing underage girls who were hired to give him massages. He died by in 2019 suicide while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

What do we know about the reported Trump note to Epstein?

The note was published on social media by Democrats from the US House Oversight Committee after it was delivered by Epstein's estate.

"A pal is a wonderful thing," reads the note, continuing to wish Epstein a happy birthday - "and may every day be another wonderful secret," the note ends, with Trump's signature.

A woman's naked body dons the note, with the US leader's signature replacing the woman's pubic hair.

The existence of the note was first reported by The Wall Street Journal in July.

How has the White House responded? 

The White House denied Trump was behind the note.

"It's very clear President Trump did not draw this picture, and did not sign it," Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on her X account, also calling the story "false."

According to Leavitt, the US president's legal team would "continue to aggressively pursue litigation" against the Wall Street Journal.

Trump has maintained since the letter was first reported that he had never sent it, and sued the newspaper for $10 billion (€8.5 billion).

Why is Trump's former friendship with Epstein problematic?

The US president's so-called MAGA (Make America Great Again) supporters have long believed in a string of conspiracy theories surrounding the Epstein case. 

They have been told by their leaders for years that the "deep state" was hiding information in the Epstein case to protect Democratic Party figures they accuse of being Epstein's clients.

Some MAGA leaders have even fanned conspiracy theories suggesting Epstein did not die by suicide but was murdered by orders made by said clients.

The FBI has said that Epstein did not keep a "client list" in which he listed those who took part in his events and confirmed the late sex offender died by suicide.

Before returning to the White House, Trump had promised to release files related to the Epstein case, a request by his MAGA supporters.

The extent of Epstein's connection to Trump has been the subject of growing questions in the US, with the President denying any wrongdoing.

The pair's friendship disintegrated in 2004 when they fell out over a property deal. At the time, Trump denounced his former ally.

Edited by: Rana Taha