When Jeffery Epstein admitted guilt in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor, he had already stitched a vast web of connections among the rich and powerful. But as recently uncovered emails illustrate, his criminal past did little to weaken those bonds with his high-profile network.
This week, thousands of documents were published by the House Oversight Committee, shedding light on Epstein’s intricate relationships with business tycoons, journalists, academics, and political figures spanning more than a decade.
The emails start with messages sent around 2009, after serving his Florida sentence, and go all the way to the months just before his dramatic arrest in 2019 for significant sex trafficking charges.
Throughout these years, Epstein’s complex network crossed various political and geographical lines, ranging from left-leaning academic Noam Chomsky to former Trump advisor Steve Bannon.
Some called upon Epstein for support during turbulent legal battles, while others sought his insight on various topics, from personal relationships to economic forecasts. In one instance, a contact asked him how to deal with allegations of sexual misconduct.
While Epstein received numerous legal allegations and ultimately took his own life in jail, his notorious case and interconnections have drawn significant attention from conspiracy enthusiasts and online detectives searching for hints of a larger cover-up.
The latest emails, however, do not implicate these influential figures in Epstein’s wrongdoings. Instead, they provide vivid evidence of his networks during his time as a registered sex offender.
Epstein’s Range of Political Contacts
Epstein communicated with various political figures from across the spectrum, frequently through inconsistent emails filled with grammar slip-ups and spelling errors.
In 2018, he was advising Bannon regarding his European tour, responding favorably after reading that German media downplayed Bannon’s influence, calling him “as dangerous as ever.” Epstein enthusiastically replied, emphasizing collaboration on a strategic plan during their interactions.
Additionally, just months ahead of those discussions, Epstein made derogatory remarks about Trump in his correspondence with Kathryn Ruemmler, former White House counsel under Obama.
He appeared to keep a busy schedule, discussing numerous mainstream figures he interacted with, stating, “you are a welcome guest at any of my events.” Jennifer Zuccarelli, Goldman Sachs spokesperson, refrained from commenting.
Connections Among the Wealthy Elite
Epstein wasn’t just reaching out to politicians; his emails were frequently exchanged with some of the world’s wealthiest individuals, discussing politics and foreign affairs.
In 2014, he sent a casual email to Silicon Valley investor Peter Thiel, mentioning they’d catch up soon. Four years later, he invited Thiel out to the Caribbean, but it’s unclear if Thiel ever replied.
During correspondences with Emirati businessman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Epstein praised Bannon, only to have Sulayem point out Trump’s disapproval of him.
An encounter involving Trump directly was also touched upon, with Sulayem wondering if shaking hands with the president would be a possibility.
In a 2010 email from the World Economic Forum, biotech venture capitalist Boris Nikolic shared experiences from meetings with renowned figures. As conversations shifted, he also mentioned the lighter side of mingling with the opposite sex.
Keeping Tabs on Academics
Among those Epstein engaged with were intellects like Laurence Krauss, who in 2017 sought his counsel concerning scrutiny from a reporter related to harassment claims against him.
In a frank exchange, Epstein probed misconduct-related details and suggested Krauss not engage with the journalist at all.
Moreover, some years back, he jokingly guided Chomsky to only visit Greece if he was in good shape while extending offers for accommodations at his places.
Epstein also appeared to share a congenial rapport with Larry Summers, formerly Treasury Secretary, frequently discussing topics pertaining to the 2016 presidential race. Yet, Summers later expressed regret over his involvement with Epstein, acknowledging it was a significant error in judgment.
Letters between Epstein and others like Chomsky, Thiel, Bannon, Krauss, and Sulayem didn’t receive immediate replies from their receiving parties as comments were sought through their organizational channels.
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Attribution: Report contributed by Associated Press, featuring input from John Hanna in Topeka and Claudia Lauer in Philadelphia.
