By the time Jeffrey Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from an underage girl, he had already established a sprawling network of wealthy and influential friends. Recent emails made public reveal that this crime did little to diminish the desire of his elite connections to maintain ties with the financier.
This week, the House Oversight Committee released thousands of documents offering new insights into Epstein’s relationships with business moguls, journalists, academics, and political figures over a decade. The communications span from shortly after he completed his Florida sentence in 2009 to just before his arrest on federal sex trafficking charges in 2019.
During this period, Epstein’s network was impressively eclectic, ranging from liberal public intellectuals like Noam Chomsky to Steve Bannon, a prominent ally of President Donald Trump. While some sought to support Epstein amid lawsuits, others approached him for introductions or advice on a wide array of topics—from personal relationships to oil prices. Notably, one of his contacts even consulted him regarding how to handle accusations of sexual harassment.
Epstein Kept a Diverse Political Network
The emails demonstrate that Epstein reached out to current and former political figures across the spectrum, sharing news articles and discussing strategies in brief messages often riddled with spelling and grammatical errors. In several communications from 2018, for instance, Epstein advised Bannon on his European political tour after Bannon had sent him a news clip that claimed the German media underestimated his influence: “As Dangerous as Ever,” Bannon noted. Epstein’s reply: “luv it.”
Epstein recounted speaking with “one of the country leaders that we discussed,” indicating a level of access that surprised many. “We should lay out a strategy plan. . how much fun,” he wrote, emphasizing his willingness to assist in shaping political narratives. Further emails revealed that Epstein suggested Bannon spend more time in Europe for effective networking, as “[playing] here, by remote [doesn’t] work.”
Paradoxically, during this same time, Epstein shared disparaging remarks about Trump with Kathryn Ruemmler, who served as White House counsel under Obama. Responding to Ruemmler’s critique that Trump was “so gross,” Epstein darkly affirmed, “worse in real life and upclose.” These back-and-forths exemplify the complex and often contradictory relationships Epstein maintained within elite circles.
Epstein’s Wealthy Social Circles
Epstein also engaged regularly with some of the world’s wealthiest individuals, discussing political and foreign affairs while broker introductions that could bolster their connections. For example, in a 2014 email to Silicon Valley investor Peter Thiel, Epstein mentioned a recent encounter saying, “that was fun, see you in 3 weeks.” Just four years later, he extended an invitation to “Dec visit me Caribbean,” although it remains unclear whether Thiel took him up on it.
In correspondence with Emirati businessman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the dynamic was equally intriguing. Epstein praised Bannon in a 2018 email, saying, “We have become friends you will like him.” Sulayem’s response highlighted the political intricacies at play: “Trump doesn’t like him.” Around the same time, Sulayem inquired about an upcoming event where Trump would be present, asking, “Do you think it will be possible to shake hand with trump?” Epstein’s answer hinted at his continued involvement: “Call to discuss.”
During the annual World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2010, biotech venture capitalist Boris Nikolic communicated with Epstein to share anecdotes about meeting Bill Clinton and French President Nicholas Sarkozy. “It would be blast that you are here,” Nikolic remarked, underscoring Epstein’s influential position within elite gatherings.
Epstein Kept in Touch With Academics
Epstein’s connections extended to notable academics as well. Theoretical physicist and cosmologist Laurence Krauss reached out to Epstein in 2017 for guidance on how to respond to allegations of sexual harassment from a reporter. “Is this a reasonable response? Should I even respond? Could use advice,” Krauss probed, showing the unique role Epstein played in a variety of personal crises.
Epstein’s invasive questioning in response—to know whether Krauss had been intimate with the accuser—highlights the murky waters of his influence. In turn, Krauss denied having sexual relations with the woman in question, asserting it wasn’t a “good idea.”
In an August 2015 exchange, Epstein advised Chomsky about flying to Greece, demonstrating his persistent attempts to maintain relationships based on mutual benefit. Their discussion, which touched on economics and behavioral science models, showed Epstein’s interests extended far beyond finance, as he offered Chomsky access to his residences in New York and New Mexico for academic pursuits.
Additionally, Epstein maintained a casual relationship with Larry Summers, former Treasury Secretary and Harvard University president. Their exchanges blended banter over the 2016 presidential race with more serious discussions about women and social interactions, revealing a familiarity that transcended mere acquaintance. Summers later expressed profound regret over his association with Epstein, recognizing it as “a major error of judgment.”
Despite these high-profile connections, many of the names mentioned—including Chomsky, Thiel, Bannon, and Krauss—did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent through their available email addresses, suggesting layers of complexity in the relationships Epstein maintained.