In a surprising revelation, newly released audio has brought to light Jeffrey Epstein's candid opinions about his former close association with Donald Trump. This disclosure, captured by author Michael Wolff in August 2017, provides a fascinating insight into the complex relationship between Epstein and Trump, marking both admiration and criticism.

Epstein, a disgraced financier and convicted pedophile, revealed to Wolff that he considered Trump his "closest friend for 10 years." The audio excerpts, authenticated by The Daily Beast, offer a nuanced view of their friendship. Epstein described Trump as both "charming" and a "horrible human being," illustrating the dichotomy in their relationship. This revelation is set to be discussed in more detail on Wolff’s "Fire and Fury" podcast, further piquing the public's interest.

Epstein's characterization of Trump oscillates between admiration for his real estate acumen and criticism of his personal traits. He described Trump as "charming in a devious way" but also accused him of having "delusions of grandiosity" and of engaging in "nasty" behavior towards close associates. According to Epstein, Trump's brilliance shines only in specific fields, such as real estate, whereas he allegedly lacks broader knowledge and skills. Despite these harsh critiques, Epstein acknowledged Trump's prowess as a "brilliant" businessman.

The relationship between Trump and Epstein deteriorated significantly after Epstein's 2019 arrest on child sex trafficking charges. Trump distanced himself from Epstein, as evidenced by his remarks to White House reporters, denying any substantial friendship. This distancing reflects a drastic shift from earlier, more amicable references to Epstein, such as the 2002 interview where Trump called him a "terrific guy."

Wolff's decision to release these audio excerpts coincides with fresh allegations of sexual assault against Trump, highlighting ongoing controversies surrounding the former president. While Trump's campaign has dismissed Wolff's revelations as "outlandish false smears," claiming them to be attempts at "election interference," the tapes have undeniably added another layer of complexity to Trump’s public image.

Overall, these recordings offer a unique glimpse into the contradictions of Trump's persona as viewed by Epstein, and they add new dimensions to the public's understanding of the interactions between these two controversial figures.