Epstein was convicted in 2008 of procuring a minor for prostitution. Trump's initial hesitation in releasing relevant documents fueled speculation that his name might appear in the so-called "Epstein Files". Critics also criticize the pace and transparency of the publications.
The incident overshadowed the actual purpose of the visit: Trump wanted to convey confidence to the Ford workers and promote new economic growth. The White House confirmed the authenticity of the recordings and defended the president's behavior. Communications Director Steven Cheung explained that an angry heckler had insulted the president, who responded "clearly and unequivocally".