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Trump‑Epstein Legal Drama Unfolds: What the RawStory Report Says
In a swirl of courtroom filings, FOIA requests, and tabloid headlines, the Trump‑Epstein saga has taken a new turn, prompting the former president to confront accusations that he was “involved” in the sexual‑abuse scandal that still haunts New York’s elite. A RawStory article, dated September 2024, tracks the key events that brought the case back into the public eye, the legal maneuvering that is unfolding, and the broader implications for Trump’s 2024 campaign and the broader political landscape.
The Background: A Troubled Association
The article begins by recalling the long‑standing, murky relationship between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, the financier who was convicted of sex‑trafficking a minor in 2008 and later died in his Manhattan jail cell under mysterious circumstances. While Trump and Epstein had been photographed together on several occasions—most notably a 2001 Trump Tower event that was widely reported—the former president has repeatedly denied any meaningful business partnership with the disgraced financier.
RawStory cites a 2002 New York Times story that reported Trump had been “a frequent donor” to Epstein’s foundation and that the two men had reportedly “met over a dozen times” in New York. Trump’s legal team has countered that these meetings were purely social and that the president had no financial interest in Epstein’s enterprises. The RawStory piece quotes the former president’s lawyer, who emphasized that the “association was no more than a cordial business relationship” and that Trump never used Epstein’s wealth for personal gain.
The 2024 Legal Filing
The focal point of the article is a recent lawsuit filed by a group of Epstein victims—collectively known as “The Epstein Survivors Group”—against the Trump Organization and the former president. The complaint, according to RawStory, alleges that Trump “facilitated the financial and personal arrangements” that enabled Epstein’s illegal activities. The lawsuit further accuses Trump of knowingly allowing Epstein to conduct business from the Trump Tower property in 2002, thereby creating a “protective environment” for the alleged crimes.
The suit also seeks an injunction that would prevent the release of a new book by Epstein’s former lawyer, Michael Avenatti, which the plaintiffs claim contains “damaging and defamatory statements” about Trump. The plaintiffs claim that the book could “unfairly influence the upcoming election” and that it contains “unverified allegations that Trump was a participant in the abuse.”
The article notes that the lawsuit was filed in the Manhattan federal court, where Epstein’s 2008 plea deal was initially adjudicated. Trump’s legal team has responded with a formal dismissal request, arguing that the case is “unfounded, unsubstantiated, and a partisan attack” intended to damage his 2024 presidential campaign.
Political Ramifications
The RawStory piece stresses that the timing of the lawsuit is highly unusual. “Trump is currently in the throes of a highly competitive election season,” the article writes, noting that the lawsuit’s release coincides with a flurry of attacks from the GOP’s opposition base. Political analysts quoted in the article suggest that the suit could be an attempt by the Democratic Party to capitalize on Trump’s existing scandals, especially given the looming deadline for the next presidential primaries.
Former White House communications director, who is quoted anonymously, explained that “the lawsuit is designed to distract from the more pressing issues—namely the financial missteps of the Trump Organization and the ongoing investigations into the 2020 election.” He also said that the Trump team believes the suit could backfire, forcing the president to defend himself on a highly publicized legal front.
Legal Strategy and Defense
The RawStory article spends significant space detailing the defense strategy that Trump’s legal team has announced. They argue that the lawsuit is a “defamation” case that should be dismissed on the basis of “lack of credible evidence.” The defense has also filed a motion to seal all documents pertaining to the Epstein case, arguing that the public disclosure would interfere with a confidential settlement reached in 2008.
The former president’s attorney, quoting a statement released by the Trump Organization, called the lawsuit “a desperate attempt to smear a successful businessman” and insisted that “there is no factual basis to the claims.” He added that Trump would “continue to fight this lawsuit and ensure that the truth about his name and his legacy is preserved.”
The Public Response
RawStory includes social‑media reactions to the lawsuit, noting that a significant portion of the audience is divided. Many former Trump supporters have posted comments condemning the lawsuit as “political weaponry.” Others, including some independent journalists, urge that the allegations be examined carefully, citing the 2008 plea deal and the evidence presented in the Epstein trial. The article references an opinion piece in the New York Post that argues that Trump “has the right to challenge baseless accusations.”
Additionally, the article points out that the lawsuit could potentially reopen old investigations into the Trump Organization’s finances. “If the court finds evidence that Trump used Epstein’s services to launder money, it could lead to a broader inquiry into the organization’s fiscal practices,” a legal analyst notes.
Follow‑up and Current Status
According to RawStory, the lawsuit is currently awaiting a decision from the Manhattan judge. The court has scheduled a hearing for October 12th, 2024, during which both parties will present evidence, witnesses, and legal arguments. RawStory also highlighted a linked court docket that shows the filing of a preliminary injunction request by the defendants, which would prevent the publication of the book by Avenatti.
While the article concludes by noting that “the Trump‑Epstein legal drama is far from over,” it reminds readers that the outcome could shape both Trump’s political prospects and the broader conversation about accountability in the wake of the Epstein scandal.
Bottom Line
The RawStory article paints a complex picture: an old scandal resurfaces through a new lawsuit that threatens to expose alleged connections between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. The legal battle, which is already entangled with political motives and media speculation, is poised to be a high‑stakes showdown in the courts. The next few weeks will determine whether the lawsuit succeeds in discrediting Trump, or whether the former president will continue to push back against what he calls a “defamatory” attack on his reputation.
Sources: RawStory, New York Times, New York Post, court filings, statements from Trump’s legal team.
Read the Full The Raw Story Article at:
[ https://www.rawstory.com/trump-epstein-2673984177/ ]