Trump Accuses Andrew Weissmann of Epstein Ties, Prompting Defamation Discussion

Washington D.C. – Former President Donald Trump has publicly alleged that former federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann was connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including claims of visits to Epstein's private island. These accusations, made during a November 2025 Oval Office exchange with reporters, have sparked discussions about potential defamation lawsuits.

The allegations were highlighted in a recent episode of Tim Miller's podcast, "Today's pod," where Miller stated he attempted to "cajole @AWeissmann_ into suing Donald Trump for maligning him with the false accusation that he went to Epstein island." This podcast discussion underscores the seriousness of Trump's claims and the legal considerations involved.

During his remarks, Trump asserted, "I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein... Andrew Weissmann, I hear. All of these guys were friends of his. You don't even talk about those people." He made these statements while deflecting questions about the release of Epstein files and criticizing a reporter, calling her a "terrible person."

Andrew Weissmann, a prominent legal figure, served as a lead prosecutor in Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, a role that frequently drew criticism from Trump. While Trump has repeatedly denied any personal involvement with Epstein's illicit activities, he has often pointed fingers at political adversaries and other public figures in connection with the disgraced financier.

The prospect of a defamation lawsuit against a former president presents significant legal hurdles, particularly concerning the high bar for proving malice against public figures. Legal experts note that such cases often face challenges in demonstrating that statements were made with reckless disregard for the truth or actual intent to harm. The ongoing public discourse surrounding the Epstein files continues to be a contentious issue in American politics.