How the Jeffrey Epstein row plunged Maga world into turmoil – a timeline

Saga has pitted Donald Trump against his base, with the president pleading with supporters to ‘not waste time’ on Epstein

This photo provided by the New York State Sex Offender Registry shows Jeffrey Epstein, March 28, 2017. File Picture: New York State Sex Offender Registry via AP

The release of a series of emails that suggest Donald Trump knew about Jeffrey Epstein’s conduct is arguably the most significant development in the saga tying the US president to the convicted sex offender.

Epstein’s suggestion in the private emails that Trump “knew about the girls” and “spent hours” with one of his victims comes after the president spent the summer batting away questions about his relationship with Epstein, who was once a close friend.