Frank Nez 
In a moment that has fueled speculation about Republican loyalty to President Donald Trump, Missouri Congressman Eric Burlison publicly expressed interest in examining a controversial birthday letter allegedly sent by Trump to Jeffrey Epstein but abruptly declined when offered the opportunity.
The incident, captured on video during a Capitol Hill encounter with CNN’s Manu Raju on September 9, 2025, highlights the growing tensions within the GOP over the Epstein files, as both Democrats and Republicans push for full transparency and survivors demand accountability.
Burlison’s refusal, along with similar evasions from other Republican leaders, has intensified accusations of a cover-up, as the House Oversight Committee grapples with subpoenaed documents from Epstein’s estate that include the letter, raising questions about Trump’s past ties to the convicted sex offender.
The Letter and Burlison’s Flip-Flop
The letter in question is part of a three-volume birthday book compiled by Epstein’s then-girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell for Epstein’s 50th birthday celebration.
The third volume, subpoenaed by the House Oversight Committee and released by Democrats on September 8, 2025, contains the note signed by Trump, featuring a crude hand-drawn silhouette of a woman’s body and the message, “A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday—and may every day be another wonderful secret,” per The Daily Beast.
The Wall Street Journal first reported the letter in July 2025, noting its “bawdy” nature, and it was provided to the committee by Epstein’s estate.
Burlison, a House Freedom Caucus member and Trump supporter, initially told Raju, “I’ve not seen the document, but I would love to see it like, matched with his handwriting.”
When Raju offered to show him the letter on his phone, Burlison demurred, saying, “Yeah, I don’t, I don’t wanna see it.”
The exchange, captured on video, has gone viral, drawing accusations of avoidance.
Burlison’s office did not respond to requests for comment
Republican Evasions and Trump’s Denials
Burlison’s refusal mirrors responses from other GOP figures.
House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-KY), when asked about the letter, said, “The president said he did not sign it, so I take the president at his word,” and dismissed further investigation, stating, “I don’t think the Oversight Committee is going to invest in looking up something 22 years ago. What does it have to do with anything?.”
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) echoed this, saying, “I trust the president.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) expressed doubt, responding, “I don’t,” when asked if he believes Trump sent the note, and adding, “They say it’s not.”
Trump has denied authoring or signing the letter, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt calling it “FAKE NEWS” and offering to involve a handwriting expert.
Eric Trump, the president’s son, stated, “I can tell you my father does not sketch out cartoon drawings.”
Professional graphologist Emma Bache told Sky News in the U.K. that the signature “absolutely” belongs to Trump, noting it matches his style from the 2000s.
The letter’s release is part of the Oversight Committee’s ongoing probe into Epstein, with Democrats accusing Republicans of stalling full disclosure.
The committee subpoenaed Epstein’s estate for the birthday book on August 25, 2025, and received it shortly after.
Democrats and other Republicans alike have called for a vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which would mandate the DOJ to release all documents in a searchable format, but GOP leadership has blocked it.
Trending: “ICE Karen” Now Scrutinized After Tip Led To Massive Raid
Epstein-Trump Ties and Broader Controversy
Trump and Epstein were friends from the 1980s to the early 2000s, with Trump calling Epstein a “terrific guy” in a 2002 New York Magazine interview and flying on his private jet seven times between 1993 and 1997.
Trump later claimed he banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago in 2007 for harassing a member’s teenage daughter.
Epstein survivor Maria Farmer told The New York Times in 2019 that she reported a troubling 1996 encounter with Trump and Epstein to the FBI, though she had no evidence of criminality by Trump.
The controversy has deepened GOP divisions, with Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) accusing the DOJ of protecting pedophile party donors in Epstein’s files, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) vowing to “name names” on the House floor.
A Quinnipiac poll showed 83% of Republicans want the files released, with 36% disapproving of Trump’s handling.
Burlison’s refusal, alongside GOP evasions, has fueled cover-up accusations, with Democrats like Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) stating, “Every day that goes by is one more day that women don’t get justice.”
As the 2026 midterms approach, the Epstein probe could fracture the GOP, with figures like Greene and Massie challenging Trump’s leadership.
The letter’s authenticity, supported by graphological analysis, may intensify scrutiny of Trump’s Epstein ties, shaping public perception and political dynamics.
Also Read: GOP Members Now Believe Trump Is Named First In The Epstein Files
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