Fact Check: Did Trump promote Ghislaine Maxwell's memoir in a social media post?
WASHINGTON, DC: A rumor has been making rounds on social media platforms, claiming that President Donald Trump, in a social media post, has promoted a memoir by convicted offender and Jeffrey Epstein’s associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. The claim has shocked online users, who are calling for verification of the viral rumor.
Claim: Donald Trump promotes Ghislaine Maxwell's memoir
The claim came as a screenshot and claimed to show a post by President Trump on his official Truth Social handle.
The alleged post begins by addressing Maxwell as “The Highly Respected Ghislaine Maxwell has written a powerful new book, ‘Child’s Play: A Memoir.’”
The post goes on to say, “Ghislaine is a Great American Patriot who is all too familiar with LAWFARE like me, and you should support her book!”
It ends by stating, “I see a pardon in her future - This book is for you. Preorder your copy today:”
The screenshot has been amplified by several accounts, garnering hundreds of thousands of views, triggering mockery and debates about its authenticity.
Fact Check: Donald Trump did not make such a post
The screenshot, however, is fake, as the president has no such post on any of his social media platforms. A search for the text from the viral screenshot yielded no results on his Truth Social handles.
The claim about Maxwell writing a memoir is also baseless. Also, the image of Maxwell in a prison uniform and holding the book that accompanied the post is generated using Artificial Intelligence.
It is unusual for Trump to promote Maxwell’s book given the worldwide outrage and controversy surrounding the release of Epstein files.
Additionally, the claim was posted by an X account called ‘The Babylon Bibi,’ which describes itself in its bio as ‘satire.’
Senate backs resolution against Ghislaine Maxwell's pardon
The screenshot surfaced after the Senate on July 29 unanimously passed a resolution expressing opposition to a presidential pardon for Maxwell.
The resolution introduced by Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen states that Maxwell “should not be granted a Presidential pardon or any form of clemency for her crimes with Jeffrey Epstein relating to the sexual exploitation and abuse of minors.”
“It’s frankly horrifying that Trump would entertain the idea of clemency for even a second for a convicted sex trafficker,” Rosen said in a speech on that day.
Rosen asserted that the resolution sent a clear message to the White House and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche that “there should be no special treatment for Ghislaine Maxwell.”
