Renewed attention is being drawn to former associates of Jeffrey Epstein which includes sexual harassment allegations made in 1996 by artist Maria Farmer. At the time, Farmer, then in her mid-20s, alerted law enforcement not only to Epstein’s alleged abuse but also raised concerns about the powerful circle surrounding him- including now-US President Donald Trump, then a New York real estate magnate.Farmer’s original account, recently revisited by The New York Times, included a troubling encounter involving her younger sister at Epstein’s New Mexico ranch and a series of interactions with high-profile individuals in Epstein’s social orbit. While Farmer never accused Trump of criminal behavior, she expressed discomfort over his presence and alleged conduct, recounting an incident in 1995 at Epstein’s Manhattan office where Trump allegedly stared at her legs until Epstein intervened, reportedly saying, “No, no. She’s not here for you.”Farmer’s warning to the FBI and other law enforcement agencies in 1996 and again in 2006 went largely unheeded at the time. No records of her report have been publicly released, and many relevant documents in Epstein’s case remain redacted or sealed. Nevertheless, Farmer’s testimony has gained renewed significance amid growing political controversy over what the still-unreleased Epstein investigative files may contain.Trump has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. Law enforcement officials have consistently stated that the president is not a target of any investigation related to the disgraced financier. Still, Farmer’s early allegations have raised questions about whether his name may appear in sealed federal files, even if only tangentially.The matter has become increasingly politicized. Trump’s allies have repeatedly pushed for full public disclosure of the Epstein files, arguing that selective transparency could be used to tarnish political reputations. However, Attorney General Pam Bondi recently reversed earlier commitments to release additional materials, stating a review found no basis for new charges- a decision that has only added to the speculation.Farmer’s allegations stand out because of how early they were made and the broader context they highlighted. She worked for Epstein in 1995 and 1996, initially helping acquire artwork and later managing his Upper East Side townhouse. In 1996, she reported being sexually assaulted by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell at his estate in Ohio- years before the financier was first indicted.Despite skepticism at the time, her family, including her mother and sister, supported her account and confirmed that she had named Trump among the powerful men she feared were being protected. Still, there is no public record indicating whether the FBI followed up on her claims or investigated Trump’s ties to Epstein further.The White House has dismissed Farmer’s claims. “The president was never in Epstein’s office,” said White House communications director Steven Cheung. “The fact is that the president kicked him out of his club for being a creep.” Trump himself has emphasized that he ended his relationship with Epstein decades ago, despite previously referring to him as a “terrific guy” and being captured on video attending social events together in the 1990s and early 2000s.Also read: Jeffrey Epstein’s ex girlfriend Stacey Williams on Trump-Epstein bond; describes duo as ‘bro’ and ‘wingman’In 2019, Epstein was arrested on federal charges of trafficking minors. He died in jail weeks later, with officials ruling his death a suicide. The fallout from his arrest and the continuing secrecy around much of the investigation has left a cloud of suspicion over many of his past associates- particularly those with political influence.Amid calls for transparency, Trump has recently supported the release of grand jury testimony related to Epstein, stating he has “nothing to hide.” However, legal experts note that even if released, such records may offer limited insight into his relationship with Epstein, which did not feature in the primary criminal proceedings.
