&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "'It’s a shame...very sad': Trump weighs in on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's detention over Epstein links")
President Donald Trump on Thursday (Feb 19) described the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, as "a shame," saying the development was "very sad" and damaging for Britain’s royal family. The US President's statement comes as Andrew was arrested on his birthday over his links to disgraced financier, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
What did Trump say exactly?
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he felt sympathy for the exiled royal, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. "I think it’s a shame. I think it’s very sad," he said. "I think it’s so bad for the royal family. It’s very, very sad."
Also read | 'Jesus Im c**ing': Jeffrey Epstein's lewd email about Pope Francis REVEALED. Here's what he said
Andrew was detained on his birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, in connection with alleged correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein during the period when he served as a UK trade envoy. The arrest marked an extraordinary moment in modern British history, as members of the royal family rarely face such public legal action.
Police vehicles were seen entering the grounds of his residence early Thursday morning. He was later released the same evening after approximately 11 hours in custody, according to Thames Valley Police.
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Trump calls himself “an expert”
When asked whether Americans could face similar scrutiny over their ties to Epstein, Trump pivoted to his own situation. "You know I’m the expert in a way because I’ve been totally exonerated. It’s very nice," he said, adding that he could speak on the matter "very nicely."
Also read | Hillary Clinton accuses DoJ of 'slow-walking' Epstein files to 'divert attention from President Trump'
Trump has repeatedly dismissed allegations linked to Epstein as a "hoax" and has denied any wrongdoing. He has also threatened to sue his critics, including author Michael Wolff. "I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein… Frankly, the DOJ should just say 'we have other things to do'," Trump said earlier this month.
A long shadow over the Royal Family
Andrew's ties to Epstein have drawn scrutiny for years, particularly after allegations by Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual abuse when she was a teenager. He denied the claims but reached an out-of-court settlement with her in 2022.
King Charles III has meanwhile issued a brief statement following his brother’s arrest, saying only that "the law must take its course" and declining further comment.
