Epstein emails reveal extensive ties across politics, media and academia

More than 20,000 pages of documents released by US lawmakers from the estate of the late financier Jeffrey Epstein highlight the breadth of his connections across politics, media, academia, and finance. 

The documents, which include emails and correspondence, show Epstein attempting to leverage relationships for networking, political strategy, and reputation management, reports the BBC.

Michael Wolff

Michael Wolff is an influential American journalist and author, known for his columns and books about prominent figures. His 2018 book, Fire and Fury, focused on Donald Trump's first year in office and included descriptions of a dysfunctional White House, which Trump dismissed as "full of lies."

US Congress approves release of Epstein files, putting matter before Trump

The documents show Wolff corresponded with Epstein regarding strategic discussions about Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign. Epstein asked him, "If we were able to craft an answer for him, what do you think it should be?" Wolff replied, "I think you should let him hang himself."

Wolff also disclosed that he interviewed Epstein "periodically" for Fire and Fury and posted on Instagram that "Some of those emails are between Epstein and me, with Epstein discussing his relationship with Donald Trump."

Larry Summers

Larry Summers is a prominent figure in American economics and governance. He served as former Democratic President Bill Clinton's Treasury Secretary and is a former president of Harvard University.

The emails indicate that Summers and Epstein met for dinner frequently. Epstein sought to connect Summers with global figures, suggesting a meeting with the "presidnt [sic] of united nations, interesting person for you." Summers reportedly advised Epstein to "spend zero effort on anything about me with Trump."

After the emails were released, Summers said he would step back from public commitments but continue teaching. He expressed deep shame for his actions and the pain caused, stating, "I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr Epstein." He also ended his affiliation with the liberal think tank, Center for American Progress.

Kathryn Ruemmler

Kathryn Ruemmler is a lawyer who served as White House counsel during Barack Obama's presidency and is currently chief legal officer and general counsel at Goldman Sachs.

The documents include emails between Ruemmler and Epstein from August 2018, discussing hush-money payments made by Trump to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Epstein wrote, "You see, I know how dirty donald is."

Ruemmler told the Wall Street Journal in 2023, "I regret ever knowing Jeffrey Epstein." A Goldman Sachs spokesperson noted that her emails were "private correspondence well before Kathy Ruemmler joined Goldman Sachs. Kathy is an exceptional general counsel and we benefit from her judgment every day."

Peter Thiel

Peter Thiel is a billionaire investor and a notable figure in technology and finance. He met Epstein through a Silicon Valley executive in 2014. Epstein wrote to Thiel in November 2018 to invite him to visit his Caribbean island.

Thiel later said on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, "Epstein knew a lot about taxes." A representative told Politico that Thiel never visited the island.

Noam Chomsky

Noam Chomsky, a renowned linguist, is included in the documents. His correspondence with Epstein was largely academic or personal, although some discussions occasionally touched on Trump. Chomsky acknowledged that Epstein had helped him move money between accounts without using "one penny from Epstein."

In one email, Chomsky wrote to Epstein, "I notice your prediction was right about Trump avoiding the White House as far too primitive."

Peggy Siegal

Peggy Siegal is a professional publicist consulted by Epstein during the unfolding scandal around him and his associates. In 2011, Epstein asked her to contact Huffington Post founder Ariana Huffington to discredit the story of accuser Virginia Giuffre, writing that Huffington "should champion the dangers of false allegations..."

Siegal later told the BBC, "Jeffrey had a habit of trying to ensnare people into his delusional world." She confirmed that she did not pass the request to Huffington. In correspondence, she wrote to Epstein, "If you rewrite your last email in better grammar, (and so I have a better understanding) I can cut and paste and send it to Ariana Huffington from me…". Huffington later told Politico she "was never contacted and never sent a reporter."