A recently released photograph from the late Jeffrey Epstein's estate has brought renewed attention to President Donald Trump's attendance at a Victoria's Secret event in 1997. The image, part of a collection disclosed by the House Oversight Committee, depicts the President alongside Belgian supermodel Ingrid Seynhaeve, with Epstein in the background. The photo was taken during a party at the Laura Belle club in Manhattan, which has since closed.
The Oversight Committee's release of the first 19 images from an extensive archive of approximately 95,000 photos has prompted a flurry of media coverage, with some speculating about the connections between high-profile individuals and Epstein. Additional photos in the collection include those of Bill Clinton and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. However, Democratic lawmakers have acknowledged that the photos do not implicate any individuals in Epstein's criminal activities.
Republicans have criticized the selective nature of the photo releases, suggesting that Democrats are crafting a narrative with strategic omissions. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson accused Democrats of attempting to construct a misleading story and pointed to their interactions with Epstein post-conviction.
The photo featuring Trump, who was 50 at the time, and Seynhaeve, then 23, is not the first to surface from that evening. Previous images from the same night have been publicly available, showing the pair at the Victoria's Secret Angels show. The significance of the newly released photo lies in its origin from Epstein's personal archive, marking it as the first image from the party to be directly connected to his collection. This photo has been previously printed, including in the 2016 book "Filthy Rich," which explored Epstein's network and the controversial plea deal he secured in Florida in 2008.
Seynhaeve, a notable figure in the fashion world after winning Elite's Look of the Year contest in 1991, was frequently seen at events and parties that intersected with Trump's business-related functions. Her presence in the same social circles as Trump led to rumors in the late 1990s that she might be romantically linked to him following his separation from Marla Maples, although these speculations were never substantiated.
In later interviews, Seynhaeve dismissed the rumors as tabloid fodder, which brought undue attention to her family. She emphasized her relationship with then-boyfriend, British socialite Tim Jefferies, and did not acknowledge any romantic involvement with Trump. Seynhaeve and Jefferies eventually parted ways, and she married French actor and director Jean-Baptiste Iera. The couple now has two sons, and Seynhaeve has largely retreated from the public eye, co-founding the clothing label JUNE72.
The release of the photo coincides with ongoing political tensions, as further disclosures are anticipated ahead of a December 19 transparency deadline set by lawmakers. As the deadline approaches, both political parties are preparing for additional media coverage that may accompany future image releases.
