Primary Source · Direct Quotes
His Own Words
These are his words. Not interpretations. Not summaries. His exact words — on tape, in court records, in his own name, on the record.
On Epstein
What Trump said about Jeffrey Epstein
“I've known Jeff for fifteen years. Terrific guy. He's a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side. No doubt about it — Jeffrey enjoys his social life.”
— Donald Trump
New York Magazine, 2002
Trump said this 12 years before the Epstein filing, while they were at the height of their documented social relationship.
On Women
What Trump said about sexual conduct
“I just start kissing them. It's like a magnet. Just kiss. I don't even wait. And when you're a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab 'em by the pussy. You can do anything.”
— Donald Trump
Recorded 2005 · Released October 2016 by Washington Post
Recorded on a hot mic with Access Hollywood host Billy Bush. The tape was admitted as evidence in the Carroll defamation trial. Trump acknowledged the recording but called it "locker room talk."
Howard Stern Show · Various years
“I'll go backstage before a show and everyone's getting dressed... you know, no men are anywhere. And I'm allowed to go in because I'm the owner... and so I sort of get away with things like that.”
Trump describing his practice of entering dressing rooms at the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants while contestants were undressed. Multiple contestants from different years have reported this behavior. Trump himself confirmed it.
On the Epstein Files
What Trump said about transparency
“Stupid... foolish.”
Trump's characterization of Republican supporters pushing for Epstein file release, before he reversed and signed the bill.
2025
“A hoax perpetrated by the Democrats.”
Trump's framing of release demands, before the bill passed 427–1 with overwhelming Republican support.
2025
After file release · January 2026
“I didn't see it myself, but I was told by some very important people that not only does it absolve me, it's the opposite of what people were hoping.”
Trump's response to the Epstein document release — admitting he hadn't read the files, while claiming unnamed sources told him they were exculpatory. The files contain 1,000+ mentions of his name, 12+ allegations, and 4 FBI interviews of one accuser.
On E. Jean Carroll
Statements that became defamation
These statements were found defamatory by a second federal jury in January 2024, which awarded $83.3M in damages.
“She's not my type.”
2019–2024
“Total con job. It's a hoax and a lie.”
2019
“This woman is not telling the truth.”
2022
A second jury in January 2024 found these statements defamatory because the original jury had established that the assault did occur. False statements of fact that harm reputation constitute defamation. Total: $83.3M.
On Ghislaine Maxwell
What Trump said when Maxwell was arrested
“I wish her well. I'd wish a lot of people well. Good luck. Let them prove somebody was guilty.”
White House press briefing, July 21, 2020. Said about Ghislaine Maxwell, who had just been arrested on federal charges of sex trafficking minors. Maxwell was later convicted on all counts.
Editorial note: Every quote on this page is sourced to a primary recording, official court record, or contemporaneous journalism with named sources. Quotes are not modified. Where a quote led to legal findings (as with the Carroll defamation case), that context is noted. Ellipses in quotes represent pauses, not omissions, unless noted.