Giant replica of Trump's alleged birthday message appears in D.C.

A 10-foot replica of an alleged 2003 birthday message to Jeffrey Epstein was installed on the National Mall; the Justice Department says it has released about 12,285 documents but millions of pages tied to the Epstein investigation remain under review.

A large replica of an alleged 2003 birthday message to Jeffrey Epstein was placed on the National Mall near the U.S. Capitol in mid-January. The installation, credited to a group calling itself The Secret Handshake, appeared around the time of what would have been Epstein's 73rd birthday. The display drew public attention because it reproduces an alleged note linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has denied writing it. The installation arrives as debate continues over the pace of public release of investigative records related to Epstein. Known details: - The replica was displayed on the National Mall and the group said it was permitted to remain through Jan. 23. - The installation is credited to The Secret Handshake and included an invitation for the public to add messages to the display. - The card reproduces an alleged 2003 message to Jeffrey Epstein; the article reports that Trump denies authorship. - The Justice Department missed a Dec. 19 deadline under the Epstein Files Transparency Act and has said it released about 12,285 documents while millions of pages remain under review. - Congressional co-sponsors asked a judge to appoint a neutral expert to oversee the releases; U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said the judge lacks authority to grant that request, and the DOJ said it would update the court again shortly. Summary: The public installation adds a visible element to ongoing scrutiny over documents and materials tied to Jeffrey Epstein. Officials report the Justice Department has not met the statutory deadline and continues reviewing a large volume of records. The department says it will provide another update to the court about document production in the near term.