Released Jeffrey Epstein Documents Detail Communications with Prominent Figures

New documents from the estate of Jeffrey Epstein have been released, identifying various figures who maintained contact with the financier after his 2008 criminal charges.

Approximately 23,000 documents, released by the House Oversight Committee, include emails and texts that illustrate Epstein's communications with political figures from both major parties, academics, and his efforts to address negative media coverage of his alleged crimes. Epstein's history as a wealthy financier who provided funds to universities and other causes allowed him access to elite circles. These connections largely persisted even after he pleaded guilty in 2008 to state charges of solicitation of prostitution and solicitation of prostitution with a minor under 18, which required him to register as a sex offender. The released communications indicate that the severity of his crimes was not frequently referenced by those who corresponded with him. It is noted that communication with Epstein does not inherently imply involvement in his criminal activities.

Notable Communications

• Noam Chomsky: A letter, apparently from linguist Noam Chomsky, describes Epstein as a "highly valued friend" and credits him with connecting Chomsky to former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, also a frequent Epstein correspondent. The letter states, "Jeffrey constantly raises searching questions and puts forth provocative ideas, which have repeatedly led me to rethink crucial issues."
• Steve Bannon: Epstein provided advice to Steve Bannon, former strategist for Donald Trump, regarding the establishment of a far-right political movement in Europe. In 2018, Epstein wrote, "If you are going to play here, you'll have to spend time, [E]urope by remote doesn't work. Lots and lots of face time and hand holding. Europe can be a wife not a mistress."
• Larry Summers: Former Harvard University president and Treasury Secretary Larry Summers is documented in numerous personal communications with Epstein, including requests for romantic advice and discussions related to women's intelligence. In 2017, Summers wrote, "I yipped about inclusion. I observed that half the IQ [in the] world was possessed by women without mentioning they are more than 51 percent of population...." Summers resigned as Harvard's president in 2006 following controversial remarks about women's capabilities in math and science. Following the recent document release, Summers resigned from the board of OpenAI and departed his teaching role at Harvard. Harvard University has announced a probe into "information concerning individuals at Harvard included in the newly released Jeffrey Epstein documents to evaluate what actions may be warranted."
• Kathryn Ruemmler: Kathryn Ruemmler, former White House counsel during the Obama administration and current chief legal officer for Goldman Sachs, exchanged messages with Epstein before and during the first term of the Trump presidency. In August 2015, she wrote, "Trump is living proof of the adage that it is better to be lucky than smart." In 2023, Ruemmler stated to The Wall Street Journal, "I regret ever knowing Jeffrey Epstein."

Donald Trump and Political Responses

Epstein's communications include over one thousand mentions of Donald Trump. Epstein reportedly positioned himself as an advisor on Trump's presidency to his associates. Trump had previously campaigned on releasing Epstein files. His administration had not released these files prior to this point, with Trump describing calls for transparency as a "hoax" attributed to Democrats. On a Wednesday, Trump announced the signing of the Epstein Files Transparency Act via a Truth Social post, stating that Democrats were using the issue to divert attention from his administration's perceived successes. Trump, as president, holds the authority to release such files without Congressional action.

Following the near-unanimous approval of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, Trump called for a Justice Department investigation into Democrats mentioned in Epstein's communications. He posted on Truth Social: "I will be asking A.G. Pam Bondi, and the Department of Justice, together with our great patriots at the FBI, to investigate Jeffrey Epstein's involvement and relationship with Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, Reid Hoffman, J.P. Morgan, Chase, and many other people and institutions, to determine what was going on with them, and him."

Republicans have also highlighted communications between Epstein and Democratic Del. Stacey Plaskett of the U.S. Virgin Islands during a 2019 House Oversight Committee hearing involving Michael Cohen. A comparison of the messages and hearing video indicates that Plaskett posed questions similar to those Epstein suggested regarding the Trump Organization. An effort to censure Plaskett in the House failed. Plaskett stated in a floor speech that she received information from a constituent and that Epstein's federal investigation status was "not public knowledge at that time."

Epstein's accusers have urged against partisan focus regarding the files, advocating for scrutiny of all individuals, regardless of political affiliation, who may not have yet faced examination.

Future of Government Files

Within 30 days of the signing of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, the Attorney General is mandated to make "all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials" available in a searchable and downloadable format. This includes information related to Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and "individuals named or referenced in connection with Epstein's criminal activities." The mandate also covers information concerning plea deals, decisions not to charge Epstein for other alleged crimes, and documents pertaining to his 2019 death by suicide in federal custody.

An FBI memo from the summer indicated their files contain "a significant amount of material, including more than 300 gigabytes of data and physical evidence." The bill allows for the withholding or redaction of material that would jeopardize an active federal investigation or ongoing prosecution. Certain disturbing content, including photos and videos of Epstein's accusers (some minors), will not be made public.

With the presidential directive for investigations into Democrats and financial institutions cited in Epstein's correspondence, the extent of Justice Department file releases, the degree of redactions, and the timeline for public disclosure remain undetermined.