Donald Trump
The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The release of more than 20,000 pages of subpoenaed documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein has triggered a new political storm in Washington.

Among the most viral items is a 2018 email referencing former President Donald Trump and a mysterious figure named 'Bubba'. Social media users interpreted the message as evidence of a sexual act, pushing the phrase into global trends. However, new statements and reports reveal a far more complex picture.

What the 'Bubba' Email Actually Said

The controversy began when lawmakers released an email exchange from March 2018 between Jeffrey Epstein and his brother, Mark. In the message, Mark Epstein joked that Steve Bannon should be asked if Vladimir Putin had 'the photos of Trump blowing Bubba'. Because former President Bill Clinton is widely known by the nickname Bubba, speculation surged overnight.

Vice President JD Vance
President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance walk along the West Colonnade, Friday, July 18, 2025. (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok) Wikimedia Commons

Yet Mark Epstein moved quickly to shut down the claim. He told The Advocate that the reference had nothing to do with Clinton and was part of a humorous private exchange between brothers. His spokesperson added that 'Bubba' was a private individual and not a public figure.

The clarification did little to slow the viral spread of the phrase, which ricocheted across political forums and social platforms. Users demanded explanations, while others circulated misleading interpretations that tied the name to Clinton or to alleged kompromat held by Russia. The confusion deepened the longer Mark Epstein refused to provide additional details.

Newsweek Confirms the Context of the Email

The exchange drew additional attention when Newsweek published its review of the documents. Mark Epstein again insisted that the line was not serious and warned that attempts to attach broader meaning misrepresented the email's purpose. He said the joke had been distorted into a politically charged narrative that did not match the tone or intent of the original message.

The publication also noted that Trump's name appeared elsewhere in the Epstein files, including messages referencing his visits to Epstein's properties and an email in which Epstein claimed Trump 'knew about the girls as he asked Ghislaine to stop'. These claims have not been independently verified and Trump has repeatedly denied all wrongdoing.

Why the Email Went Viral Despite Denials

The email spread rapidly because it blended three combustible elements. It referenced Trump, it referenced Epstein and it contained language that could be read as sexual. Combined with the release of thousands of new documents and ongoing calls for a full public release of the Epstein files, the message became a symbol of mistrust among voters who believe the truth is being hidden.

California Representative Robert Garcia said the documents raise new questions about Trump's relationship with Epstein. He also accused the Department of Justice of resisting transparency, which contributed to the public's suspicion. The House is expected to vote on whether to release all Epstein-related government records after a petition reached the necessary threshold.

Trump Reacts as Political Pressure Mounts

Trump quickly rejected the renewed scrutiny, calling it a distraction and accusing Democrats of weaponising the documents. He said on Truth Social that the controversies were attempts to deflect from national issues. His denial only fuelled more questions online, especially among users who continued to speculate about the meaning of the 'Bubba' email.

What the Scandal Reveals About the Epstein Files

The incident highlights growing frustration over the lack of clarity surrounding the Epstein documents. The viral nature of the 'Bubba' message shows how a single ambiguous line can escalate into national controversy when placed within an already explosive political environment.

For now, the identity of Bubba remains known only to Mark Epstein. The political damage, however, extends far beyond a private joke. The email has become a symbol of the broader demand for transparency and the complicated intersection of Trump, Epstein and decades of unanswered questions.