Newly unsealed documents have once again dragged major political names into the orbit of Jeffrey Epstein.
Among the files released by U.S. lawmakers was a peculiar birthday tribute from Lord Peter Mandelson, who only last year was appointed as Britain’s Ambassador to the U.S. by Sir Keir Starmer.
The handwritten message, part of a 2003 “birthday book” organized by Ghislaine Maxwell, paints a surprisingly intimate picture of Mandelson’s relationship with the disgraced financier.
Mandelson’s Birthday Letter to Epstein
In his ten-page contribution, Mandelson called Epstein his “best pal” and included photographs of himself in casual, even intimate, settings with the convicted sex offender.
One photo shows him in a bathrobe, slick hair, laughing alongside Epstein outdoors.
Another image captures him topless, wearing only swimming shorts on a balcony.
His note described Epstein as “mysterious” and “sharp-witted,” a man who had “parachuted into my life.”
Mandelson admitted Epstein was unpredictable: “You would spend many hours just waiting for him to turn up… and often, no sooner were you getting used to loving him around, you would suddenly be alone again.”
He ended with an emphatic, “Wherever he is in the world, he remains my best pal! Happy Birthday, Jeffrey. We love you!!”
Uncomfortable Associations
Mandelson’s words are especially striking considering his later regrets.
In May, he publicly admitted he wished he had never met Epstein.
The revelation of this letter now complicates that narrative, showing a side of closeness he has previously downplayed.
The “birthday book” itself was compiled by Maxwell, who is now serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in recruiting underage girls for Epstein.
The collection included 238 pages of letters, photos, and tributes from influential figures — documents now handed to Congress as part of a sweeping investigation.
Clinton and Trump Also Caught Up
The birthday messages weren’t limited to Mandelson.
Both Bill Clinton and Donald Trump’s names appeared in the collection.
Clinton allegedly wrote a short, handwritten note praising Epstein’s curiosity and friendship, wishing him well on his milestone.
He has long maintained he was unaware of Epstein’s crimes, but the resurfacing of these personal ties continues to raise questions.
Trump’s supposed contribution read: “A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.”
However, the White House quickly dismissed the letter as a fabrication.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the story “fake news” and accused political opponents of pushing a “Democrat Epstein Hoax.”
Trump’s legal team has threatened lawsuits against outlets publishing the material.
A Web That Won’t Untangle
The Epstein files continue to spark bipartisan interest in Washington, especially as suspicions linger over whether a cover-up protected powerful figures.
Each new document release adds fresh controversy — and with familiar names like Mandelson, Clinton, and Trump resurfacing, the scandal shows no signs of fading.
The real question now is how much more remains hidden in the archives — and whether future revelations will draw even more world leaders and public figures into Epstein’s long, toxic shadow.