Victor Davis Hanson: Trump’s Epstein Letter Isn’t the Scandal You Think It Is

Jul 21, 2025

The podcast dives into the intricacies of the Trump-Epstein controversy, challenging the mainstream narrative of scandal. Victor Davis Hanson argues that the alleged letter Trump wrote to Epstein is less sensational than it seems. He raises questions about why Democrats haven’t disclosed certain names and suggests that the public deserves transparency. With claims of some innocent connections and the potential for litigation against the media, the discussion emphasizes the need for clarity in a world of assumptions.

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INSIGHT

The Epstein List Context

The so-called list of names connected to Jeffrey Epstein includes over 170 people from various fields with unclear involvement.
Simply appearing on this list doesn't imply wrongdoing without transparent adjudication.

INSIGHT

Transparency to Resolve Epstein File

Transparency is crucial to prevent the Epstein controversy from becoming a scandal.
Donald Trump is expected to release all government information on the involved people to let public and legal processes decide.

INSIGHT

Skepticism on Trump's Epstein Letter

The authenticity of the risqué birthday letter Trump allegedly wrote to Epstein is highly questionable based on vocabulary and style.
It's unlikely the letter was actually from Trump and proving it will be difficult.

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While critics accuse the Trump administration of withholding damning information, Victor Davis Hanson argues the truth of the controversy is much more complicated—and a lot less interesting—than you’d think.

Why didn’t Democrats ever release the names? And how much truth is there to the recent Wall Street Journal article that reported Trump wrote a letter Epstein filled with strange language and suggestive imagery? Victor Davis Hanson answers these questions on today’s episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words.”

“ I think Donald Trump is going to release all the information that the government has. There'll probably be 150 or 200 names. And we'll let the internet mob or individuals or Freedom of Information requests or lower court judges, they will adjudicate it and we will find out the particular statuses. The vast majority of people will be very innocent, that they didn't do anything wrong. But there will be some people that will have a cast, a shadow of doubt. And we'll have to find out.

“ I think The Wall Street Journal will have to make a correction, unless they want to take Donald Trump to court and Donald Trump wants to see—he's filed suit against them. And there'll be a lot of discovery and who knows what will happen. But for right now, I think he's salvaged this problem and aborted a controversy by just saying, ‘Get this stuff out there and let the people decide.’”

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👉He’s also the host of “The Victor Davis Hanson Show,” available wherever you prefer to watch or listen. Links to the show and exclusive content are available on his website: https://victorhanson.com

(0:00) Introduction

(0:54) Trump Administration's Handling of Epstein Files

(2:29) The List of Names and Their Implications

(4:41) Trump's Letter to Epstein

(6:33) The Wall Street Journal Allegations

(8:05) The Future of the Epstein Files

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