George Houraney, a Florida businessman who arranged the event, told the Times in 2019 he was surprised when he saw the guest list.

”I said, ‘Donald, this is supposed to be a party with V.I.P.s,’” Houraney said. “‘You’re telling me it’s you and Epstein?’”

Jill Harth, Houraney’s then-girlfriend, later accused Trump of forcibly kissing her and fondling her, and keeping her from leaving the same night of the party.

In 2002, Trump told New York Magazine that Epstein was a “terrific guy.” “I’ve known Jeff for 15 years. Terrific guy,” Trump said. “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.”