A series of posters describingDonald Trump as a 'sex offender'have been spotted around Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, according to images circulating on X. The materials, labelled as a 'public safety announcement,' were reportedly placed in waterproof sleeves and fixed in multiple locations across the area, drawing attention from passers-by and social media users alike.
The images show the posters referencing Trump by name alongside strongly worded accusations: 'Best friend of notorious pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Enthusiastic participant in raping underage girls. Weaponized the US Justice Department to cover up his pedophilia crimes.'
Bravo to there person who has put these flyers all over Capitol Hill and even thought to put them in waterproof sleeves.pic.twitter.com/YA1hYTEhop
The origin of the materials has not been independently verified, and there is no official confirmation of who produced or distributed them.
It is also unclear whether the posters are part of a coordinated campaign or an isolated act of political expression. Authorities in Washington, DC, have not issued a detailed statement on the matter, and it is not yet known whether any investigation is underway into their placement in public areas.
In the US, putting up flyers or posters in public spaces can be treated as vandalism or illegal posting if done without permission, especially on government property such as areas around Capitol Hill. If authorities can identify the person or group responsible, they could face fines, community service or, in more serious cases, misdemeanour charges, particularly if property damage is involved or if the posters were placed in restricted zones.
However, the content of the posters also matters. If they contain statements that are demonstrably false and harm someone's reputation, there is also the possibility of a defamation-related civil lawsuit, though public figures face a much higher legal threshold in the US.
Trump's connection to Epstein mainly comes from the fact that the two were socially acquainted in New York and Florida from the late 1980s through the early 2000s. Multiple reports and timelines show they attended the same social events, moved in similar wealthy circles and were photographed together on occasion, including at Mar-a-Lago gatherings.
Trump has also previously described Epstein as someone he knew socially before the relationship reportedly soured in the mid-2000s.
With recently releasedEpstein filesshowing a large trafficking network, scrutiny of Trump has intensified. Epstein was convicted in 2008 in Florida on state charges related to procuring a minor for prostitution and later faced federal sex trafficking charges before his death in custody in 2019.
Source: International Business Times UK
