Donald Trump described Jeffrey Epstein as 'the greatest' in a newly unearthed message he wrote for the disgraced billionaire on a copy of his 1997 book 'Trump: The Art of the Comeback.'

Trump addressed a copy of the book to Epstein in October the year it was printed, according to The New York Times, which published a picture of the now-president's handwritten message.

The words of admiration allegedly read: 'To Jeff - You are the greatest!'

The short note is signed off by Trump, and dated October 1997.

The revelation came as more secrets emerge of Epstein's now infamous 50th birthday book, in which Trump repeatedly insisted he did not participate.