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Thousands of Epstein documents disclose ties to Trump circle, elite figures
U.S. lawmakers on Saturday released over 20,000 pages of documents from Jeffrey Epstein's estate, exposing communications between the convicted sex offender and a network of influential figures-including former President Donald Trump, political strategists, and academics. The files, made public by the House Oversight Committee, do not allege wrongdoing by those named but underscore Epstein's far-reaching connections.
Trump-Epstein dynamic under scrutiny
Emails between Epstein and journalist Michael Wolff reveal discussions about Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. In a 2015 exchange, Wolff alerted Epstein that CNN planned to question Trump about their relationship. Epstein responded by seeking advice on crafting a response, to which Wolff replied, "I think you should let him hang himself."
Later, in October 2016, Wolff offered Epstein an interview opportunity to "finish" Trump ahead of the election. Wolff confirmed the authenticity of the emails in an Instagram video, stating he had long sought to expose the story. He previously disclosed interviewing Epstein for his 2018 book Fire and Fury, which Trump dismissed as "full of lies."
Summers, Clinton ally, distanced himself post-election
Correspondence between Epstein and Larry Summers, former Treasury Secretary under Bill Clinton, shows frequent dinners and Epstein's attempts to broker introductions-including a proposed 2018 meeting with the "presidnt [sic] of united nations." After Trump's 2016 victory, Summers urged Epstein to "spend zero effort" connecting him to the incoming administration, citing Trump's "conflict of interest" issues and ties to Vladimir Putin.
A Summers spokesperson declined comment but pointed to his 2023 statement expressing "deep regret" for post-conviction contact with Epstein.
Legal figures and hush-money discussions
Emails between Epstein and Kathryn Ruemmler, former White House counsel under Barack Obama, touched on Trump's hush-money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Epstein wrote, "You see, I know how dirty donald is." Goldman Sachs, where Ruemmler now serves as chief legal officer, defended her as "exceptional," noting the emails predated her tenure. Ruemmler told the Wall Street Journal in 2023 she regretted knowing Epstein.
Thiel, Chomsky, and media ties
Billionaire Peter Thiel, a Trump ally, received a 2018 invitation from Epstein to visit his Caribbean island-where some of Epstein's crimes allegedly occurred. Thiel's representative denied he ever went. On a 2024 podcast, Thiel called Epstein a "tax expert" but admitted failing to scrutinize their interactions.
Linguist Noam Chomsky, 96, exchanged academic and political musings with Epstein, including a 2016 note praising Epstein's prediction that Trump would avoid the White House as "too primitive." Chomsky previously acknowledged Epstein's help with financial transfers but denied receiving funds.
Publicist Peggy Siegal revealed Epstein's 2011 request to discredit accuser Virginia Giuffre via Arianna Huffington. Siegal called the ask "ridiculous" and confirmed she never contacted Huffington, who denied receiving any such request.
Broader implications
The documents, while not evidence of illegal activity by those named, illustrate Epstein's strategy of leveraging elite relationships. Legal experts note the files may fuel ongoing civil cases tied to his trafficking network. The Oversight Committee has not indicated whether further releases are planned.
