Jeffrey Epstein’s newly released emails paint a picture of his deep, personal connections to myriad powerful figures. They range from high profile policy influencers like Donald Trump and Prince Andrew. The emails, which are characterized by their choppy writing style and numerous spelling and grammatical errors, provide a glimpse into Epstein’s interactions with influential individuals across various sectors. The emails do not connect these contacts to any illicit behavior. They are ominous indicators of Epstein’s acceptance of elite circles.
Epstein’s correspondence is a window into his connections with the most elite—often accused or convicted—sexual predators and sex traffickers. In 2015, he offered renowned intellectual Noam Chomsky the use of his residences in New York and New Mexico, underlining his attempts to cultivate connections with notable figures. He reportedly stayed especially close to investor Peter Thiel of Silicon Valley fame. In 2014, he just sort of emailed nonchalantly, like, “Hey, that was super cool, I’ll see you in 3 weeks.” Epstein’s meetings had a strange, casual air. This cavalier attitude is a world apart from the standards most everyone would assume are expected of an influential, public figure.
The emails shed light on the fact that Epstein offered guidance to now-firebrand Steve Bannon during Bannon’s political tour through Europe in 2018. In one criminal interchange, Bannon cheered on Epstein’s analysis of the situation, replying, “Agree 100% How do I do that?????” This short exchange provides us with a look into how Epstein made himself a voice of authority and strategy to influencers and political elites.
Epstein’s ties went beyond politics to royalty, as shown by his correspondence with Prince Andrew. A new email has come to light that corroborates the infamous photograph of Prince Andrew with accuser Virginia Giuffre. This email provides important new evidence in the ongoing investigation into the prince’s ties to Epstein. Despite Andrew’s public speculation that the photograph might have been manipulated, Epstein’s email suggests otherwise, casting doubt on the prince’s claims.
In so doing, Epstein’s aim was to lessen the weight of the allegations, or claims, against him (and others). In 2011, he reached out to public relations whiz Peggy Siegal for assistance. He requested her assistance in connecting them with Arianna Huffington. He hoped she would argue about the risks of false allegations and investigate Giuffre, demonstrating that he knew about the possible public relations pitfalls associated with his links.
Further, Epstein’s letter exchange with media personality Michael Wolff indicates an intense rapport between the two. As an informal advisor and public affairs charlatan, Wolff had a key role in the development of Epstein’s relationship with Donald Trump. Epstein reminisced about his previous discussions with Vitaly Churkin, Russia’s ambassador to the UN, who died in 2017. They also give a fascinating glimpse into the scope of Epstein’s ambitions and policy interests in the arena of international relations.
Epstein even consulted with theoretical physicist and cosmologist Lawrence Krauss, to get guidance. He wanted advice on how to field journalist’s questions regarding the sexual harassment complaints against him. The apparent need for this request serves to reiterate just how close a call Epstein found himself once public accusations started to come in against him.
Among those other well-connected contacts was one of the most successful biotech venture capitalists Boris Nikolic. The pair reportedly even arranged a meeting with Prince Andrew, demonstrating yet again Epstein’s ability to maintain close relations with powerful figures.
In another revealing email, Epstein wrote, “If you are going to play here, you’ll have to spend time; Europe by remote doesn’t work,” suggesting his belief in the necessity of personal engagement within elite social circles. This frustration belies the insight he had into the relational game at work when trying to dance between relationships among titans.
As these emails have been released, a different portrait of Jeffrey Epstein has emerged—a much more troubling image. He exercised tremendous power through the contacts of his enormous rolodex. His outreach to various individuals reveals not only his strategic thinking but his attempts to maintain a façade of respectability amidst growing scrutiny.