Emails Reveal Wealthy and Influential Figures Ignored Epstein’s Abuse History

By the time Jeffrey Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008, he had already built a vast network of affluent and influential associates. Newly released emails made public this week reveal that his conviction did little to deter many in his circle from staying in touch with the disgraced financier.

The House Oversight Committee released thousands of documents on Wednesday, offering an unprecedented look at Epstein’s decade-long communication trail with business leaders, academics, reporters, and political figures.

The documents chronicle Epstein’s email exchanges from his release in 2009 through the months leading up to his 2019 arrest on federal sex-trafficking charges.

His network spanned a wide ideological and professional range—connecting everyone from liberal academic Noam Chomsky to former trump strategist Steve Bannon.

Some reached out to Epstein for introductions, opinions on politics, or even personal matters such as dating advice. Others offered support during his legal troubles or advised him on handling allegations of sexual misconduct.

Epstein was arrested in 2019 on sex trafficking charges and died in jail a month later. His crimes, high-profile connections, and controversial jailhouse death have fueled conspiracy theories and online speculation about a wider cover-up.

Although the emails do not link any of Epstein’s contacts to criminal wrongdoing, they illustrate the breadth of his influence during his years as a registered sex offender.

EPSTEIN MAINTAINED A CROSS-POLITICAL NETWORK

Epstein exchanged politically oriented messages, news articles, and strategic gossip with officials and former officeholders from across the political spectrum. The emails—often brief, disorganized, and riddled with spelling errors—show he remained a sought-after figure.

He regularly advised Steve Bannon during Bannon’s 2018 political tour of Europe. After Bannon shared a news article about himself being “As Dangerous as Ever,” Epstein responded enthusiastically: “I love it.”

Following discussions with “one of the country leaders that we discussed,” Epstein wrote, “We should lay out a strategy plan… how much fun.”

Later, Epstein urged Bannon to spend more time in Europe, writing, “Europe by remote doesn’t work.”

Epstein also boasted that he could arrange meetings with multiple world leaders, adding, “It’s doable but time consuming.”

In contrast, emails with former Obama White House counsel Kathryn Ruemmler show Epstein mocking Trump. When Ruemmler called Trump “so gross,” Epstein replied, “Worse in real life and upclose,” though parts of the message remain redacted.

Epstein also mentioned meeting or hosting an ambassador, a tech mogul, international entrepreneurs, academics, and a filmmaker—all in one week—telling Ruemmler, “You are a welcome guest at any.”

A Goldman Sachs spokesperson for Ruemmler declined to comment.

EPSTEIN’S WEALTH-DRIVEN SOCIAL CIRCLE

The financier frequently emailed ultra-wealthy individuals around the world, facilitating introductions and discussing global politics and business trends.

In 2014, Epstein emailed Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel saying, “That was fun, see you in three weeks.”

Four years later, after Thiel commented that he “couldn’t complain” about Los Angeles, Epstein invited him to the Caribbean: “Dec visit me Caribbean.” It remains unclear if Thiel ever replied.

Epstein also praised Bannon in emails to Emirati investor Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, writing in 2018, “We have become friends—you will like him.” Sulayem responded, “Trump doesn’t like him.”

In 2017, Sulayem asked Epstein whether it might be possible to “shake hands with Trump” at an upcoming event. Epstein answered, “Call to discuss.”

While attending the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2010, venture capitalist Boris Nikolic received an email from Epstein asking, “Any fun?”

Nikolic replied that he had met “your other friend,” Prince Andrew, who had questions about Microsoft, as well as “your friend” bill Clinton and then-French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Later, Nikolic told Epstein he was growing tired of meetings but joked that it “would be blast that you are here.” He then made a crude comment about pursuing a 22-year-old woman, remarking, “Anything worthwhile is rented.”

EPSTEIN SOUGHT OUT ACADEMICS

Among those he contacted was theoretical physicist and cosmologist Laurence Krauss, who emailed Epstein in 2017 asking for advice on responding to a journalist’s inquiry about sexual harassment allegations.

“Is this a sensible answer? Do I even need to reply? Could use some guidance,” Krauss wrote.

Epstein pressed Krauss on whether he had sex with the woman involved before advising him not to respond to the reporter.

“No, we did not engage in sexual activity. I decided it wasn’t a good idea,” Krauss replied.

Krauss later told the Associated Press that he never hid his interactions with Epstein. “When false accusations about me were circulated in the press in 2018, I sought advice from almost everyone I knew,” he said. “When he was arrested in 2019, I was as shocked as the rest of the world.”

In a 2015 exchange, Epstein joked to Noam Chomsky that he once had to send an aircraft for another “lefty friend” to see a doctor in New York. He warned Chomsky to travel only if he was feeling well.

Their conversation soon shifted to debates about currency-collapse indicators, behavioral science, and Big Data. Epstein invited Chomsky to use his New York apartment or visit his New Mexico property.

Other emails reveal a warm rapport with former Harvard president and Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, with the two exchanging jokes about Trump and the 2016 election.

In 2019, Summers emailed Epstein about his awkward interactions with a woman, to which Epstein replied, “Angry shows caring. No whining showed strength.”

Summers later said, “My association with Jeffrey Epstein was a major error of judgment,” and added that he has “great regrets” in his life.

Requests for comment sent to Chomsky, Thiel, Bannon, and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem were not immediately returned.