Fact check: How did Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump first meet?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the available analyses, there is no definitive answer to how Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump first met. The sources examined do not provide specific details about their initial encounter or introduction.

What the sources do establish is that:

• Their relationship dates back to at least the early 1990s, with evidence of them attending social events together, including a 1993 wedding and a 1999 Victoria's Secret fashion show ^[1]
• They lived near each other and partied together as far back as the early 1990s ^[2]
• By 2002, Trump claimed to have known Epstein for 15 years, which would place the beginning of their relationship around 1987 ^[3]
• Epstein claimed to be Trump's "closest friend" for 10 years at some point during their relationship ^[4]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The analyses reveal several important contextual elements missing from the original question:

• The relationship eventually ended in a falling out, with Trump providing different explanations for why they split ^{[3] [5]}
• Trump has made efforts to distance himself from Epstein, particularly after Epstein's arrest and death ^[6]
• The nature of their friendship was controversial, with Epstein making claims about Trump's personal behavior, including allegations that Trump "liked to f--- the wives of his best friends" ^[4]
• Their social circle overlapped significantly, as evidenced by their attendance at multiple high-profile events together throughout the 1990s ^[1]
• The Trump administration's handling of Epstein-related matters became a source of ongoing controversy ^{[7] [2]}

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself does not contain misinformation or bias - it is a straightforward factual inquiry. However, the lack of available information about their first meeting could potentially be exploited by various parties:

• Political opponents of Trump might benefit from suggesting there are hidden or suspicious circumstances surrounding their initial connection
• Trump supporters might benefit from the absence of specific details, as it prevents concrete allegations about the nature of their early relationship
• Media organizations covering the Epstein scandal have an interest in maintaining public attention on any connections between powerful figures and Epstein ^[7]

The question's focus on the "first meeting" may inadvertently minimize the more documented and potentially significant aspects of their long-term relationship that are better established in the historical record.