Jeffrey Epstein lookalike enters mayor's race in Trump's home town

A man who gained viral online fame for looking like convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein has announced that he is running for mayor of Palm Beach, Florida. There is a certain level of irony to this, because Palm Beach happens to be the location of President Donald Trump's Mar-a-lago resort, and the commander in chief was also famously close friends with Epstein.

"After much thought, I am announcing that I will be running to become Mayor of Palm Beach in the upcoming 2028 election," posted Palm Beach Pete over a photo of himself on Wednesday. "More to come!"

"Palm Beach Pete" is the nickname for 71-year-old Peter Simel, who gained online notoriety several years ago after an influencer filmed him and posted the video online. Since then, he's gained a following of 800,000 followers on TikTok and nearly 200,000 on Instagram.

When asked by News Nation what his potential constituents think about his unusual fame, Simel said, "They really embrace me. Once in a while, I’ll get some knuckleheads who call me Epstein. Mostly, I’m getting really positive feedback. Palm Beach Pete, living my life.”

Trump's connection to Epstein has been well-documented and frequently scrutinized. The two men were known to socialize in elite circles during the 1990s and early 2000s, and Trump was deposed in legal proceedings related to Epstein's trafficking operation.

In recent months, Trump has faced renewed criticism over his association with Epstein, particularly following efforts to unseal documents related to Epstein's network. Congressional Democrats have investigated potential connections between Trump and Epstein's operations, and the topic has become increasingly prominent in political discourse.

Meanwhile, Mar-a-Lago remains one of Palm Beach's most recognizable landmarks and a frequent location for Trump's political activities. The town itself has experienced significant media attention due to Trump's presence, with numerous investigations and legal proceedings involving the former and current president occurring within its jurisdiction. Simel's mayoral announcement in this context adds an unusual layer of satire to Palm Beach's already tumultuous political landscape, where national scandals frequently intersect with local governance issues.