The two socialized together frequently in New York City and Palm Beach from the late 1980s to the early 2000s. In 2002, Trump praised Epstein to a reporter as a “terrific guy” — and curiously added that he “likes beautiful women” on “the younger side.”

Trump has survived so many scandals that it’s become hard to keep track, but the specifics of the Epstein controversy may make it harder for him to dismiss.