This was not, however, the president’s only provocative claim related to his former associate. Shortly before the White House event got underway, Trump published an item to his social media platform in which he said he wasn’t “friendly with Jeffrey Epstein.”

Given the circumstances, that’s an odd thing to lie about. NBC News noted that while there’s no evidence that Trump ever visited Epstein’s island, there’s “substantial evidence that they were friendly.” The report noted:

‘I’ve known Jeff for 15 years. Terrific guy,’ Trump told New York magazine in 2002, before there were any public allegations of wrongdoing against Epstein. ‘He’s a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side. No doubt about it — Jeffrey enjoys his social life.’

A November 1992 clip from the NBC archives showed the two socializing at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, pointing out women on the dance floor. In a part of the tape, Trump is heard saying something to Epstein that causes him to double over in laughter. Epstein also attended Trump’s 1993 wedding to Marla Maples, according to a photo obtained by CNN.

At least in theory, there shouldn’t be any reason for the president to make stuff up. As NBC News’ report concluded, “Trump has denied any wrongdoing, and there is no evidence connecting him to Epstein’s crimes.” The two men were obviously friendly in years past, but that need not be inherently incriminating.

It’s why Trump’s willingness to push a line that is obviously untrue is such an odd and unnecessary misstep.