Keep Factually independent

Whether you agree or disagree with our analysis, these conversations matter for democracy. We don't take money from political groups - even a $5 donation helps us keep it that way.

Loading...Time left: ...
Loading...Goal: $500

Fact check: Did Donald Trump attend any parties hosted by Jeffrey Epstein?

Checked on July 17, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, none of the sources contain direct evidence that Donald Trump attended parties hosted by Jeffrey Epstein. The sources consistently focus on Trump's public statements and political responses to the Epstein controversy rather than documenting any actual attendance at Epstein-hosted events [1] [2] [3] [4] [5].

The sources do reveal Trump's evolving relationship with Epstein over time. In 2002, Trump called Epstein a "terrific guy" but later claimed they had a "falling out a long time ago" [1]. More recently, Trump has characterized the Epstein controversy as a "hoax" and "bulls*" while criticizing Republicans calling for transparency as "weaklings"** [5].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks crucial historical context about the Trump-Epstein relationship that extends beyond party attendance. The analyses reveal that Trump has made inconsistent statements about Epstein over the years, shifting from praise to dismissal [1].

The sources indicate there is significant internal division within Trump's MAGA base over the Epstein issue, with some supporters demanding transparency while Trump attempts to downplay the controversy [1] [2]. This suggests the question of Trump's Epstein connections has broader political implications beyond simple party attendance.

Additionally, the analyses mention Trump's defense of Attorney General Pam Bondi, who faced criticism for her handling of Epstein probe files [3]. This indicates there are ongoing investigations and document releases that may contain relevant information not captured in these particular sources.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself does not contain explicit misinformation, as it is posed as a straightforward inquiry. However, the framing may be overly narrow by focusing specifically on "parties" when the broader question of Trump's relationship with Epstein encompasses various forms of social and business interactions.

The sources suggest Trump has actively worked to dismiss and downplay the Epstein controversy, calling it a "hoax" and criticizing those seeking transparency [5]. This defensive posture from Trump, combined with his inconsistent messaging over the years about his relationship with Epstein [1], indicates there may be more to the story than what is currently public.

The analyses also reveal that Trump faces pressure from within his own political base to be more transparent about Epstein-related matters [2] [1], suggesting that even his supporters recognize there are unanswered questions about the relationship.

Want to dive deeper?
What were the circumstances of Donald Trump's meetings with Jeffrey Epstein?
Did Donald Trump ever comment publicly on Jeffrey Epstein's arrest in 2019?
Which other high-profile figures attended parties hosted by Jeffrey Epstein?
What is the nature of the relationship between Donald Trump and Ghislaine Maxwell?
Are there any records of Donald Trump visiting Jeffrey Epstein's private island?