Key takeaways:

• CNN’s John Berman pressed Rep. Pete Sessions on the Epstein birthday book.
• Sessions said Congress will keep digging for answers.
• President Trump called the Epstein birthday book “a dead issue.”
• Lawmakers will compare signatures and review more data.

CNN anchor John Berman challenged a top Republican on live TV. He asked Rep. Pete Sessions about President Trump’s denial of a crude note. The writing appeared in a birthday book from the late Jeffrey Epstein. Trump even sued a major newspaper over this claim. Yet once Democrats got the document, the White House said the topic was over. Berman wanted to know if lawmakers agreed.

A Confrontation on TV

Berman said the president treated the Epstein birthday book as “dead.” He asked Sessions what that meant for Congress’s work. Sessions refused to call it dead. Instead, he said lawmakers will keep reviewing all the evidence. He stressed that Congress is new to these documents. By contrast, past administrations may have studied them long ago.

Why the Epstein Birthday Book Still Matters

First, the birthday book note mentions shared secrets between Trump and Epstein. Second, it shows a crude drawing of a woman. Third, it carries what could be Trump’s signature. For these reasons, the note draws fresh interest. Moreover, voters want to know if a president ever hid ties to a convicted sex offender. Therefore, the file remains under tight review.

What Did Rep. Pete Sessions Say?

During the interview, Sessions said, “We want the truth.” He added, “I have not drawn a conclusion yet.” He noted that Congress only recently saw the scrawled page. He also blamed past presidents for possibly brushing it aside. Meanwhile, he assured viewers that lawmakers will collect more data. Then they will draw their own conclusions.

Sessions on Trump’s Stance

Berman pointed out that Trump declared the issue closed. He asked if that showed the president lacked curiosity. Sessions replied that Trump is not under oath. He also said the White House insists Trump did not sign the note. Consequently, lawmakers will start with that assumption. However, they will test the signature against other samples.

Probing the Signature

The heart of the matter lies in handwriting analysis. Lawmakers plan to gather Trump’s known signatures from that era. Then experts will compare them to the note in the Epstein birthday book. If they match, that could spark bigger questions. Yet if they differ, the focus might shift to how the note emerged and why it appeared in Epstein’s files.

Why Congress Steps In

Only Congress can issue subpoenas and hold hearings. Thus far, only Democrats on the House Oversight Committee have formal access. However, Sessions suggested that all members will join in searching for answers. He noted that nonpartisan fact-finding should guide the process. Moreover, he argued that the public deserves clarity, no matter the outcome.

What Comes Next?

First, the Oversight Committee will schedule document reviews. Then, staffers will trace the note’s custody in Epstein’s estate. Meanwhile, forensic experts will study the handwriting. Next, lawmakers may call witnesses under oath. Finally, Congress will report findings to the public.

The Epstein birthday book remains at the center of heated debate. Although the White House wants to move on, Congress is not ready to drop the matter. By contrast, lawmakers say they still lack key pieces of the puzzle. For example, they do not know who handled the note after Epstein’s death. In addition, they do not know if aides ever saw the book before its release.

Moreover, each new development can shift the story. If the note proves authentic, critics may accuse Trump of hiding ties to Epstein. If experts reject the signature, the focus could shift to sloppy record keeping in Epstein’s estate. Either way, citizens will watch closely as investigations play out.

In short, the Epstein birthday book issue is far from dead. Instead, it has taken on new life under congressional review. Even some Republicans admit they have questions. As Sessions said, “We need to answer questions, and we will get there.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Epstein birthday book?

It is a private notebook that once belonged to Jeffrey Epstein. It contains notes, drawings, and messages from various people. One entry mentions President Trump and shares a crude drawing.

Why did Trump call it “a dead issue”?

After Epstein’s estate released the notebook, the White House said the matter was closed. Trump also denied writing the note and sued a newspaper over its coverage.

Who is investigating the Epstein birthday book?

Members of the House Oversight Committee, led by Democrats, are reviewing the notebook. Some Republicans, like Rep. Pete Sessions, joined the effort.

What happens next in the investigation?

Experts will compare handwriting samples to verify the note’s signature. Lawmakers may hold hearings and interview witnesses. Then Congress will share its findings with the public.