WASHINGTON: A fresh cache of files related to the investigation into the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has been released, offering a detailed look at the elite circles he frequented before his death. The documents reveal connections between prominent figures in politics, business, and entertainment.
President Donald Trump, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and SpaceX founder Elon Musk are among those named in the files.
Among the names surfacing is Kevin Warsh, whom Trump nominated to serve as chairman of the Federal Reserve. The documents indicate that Warsh was on a guest list for a Christmas gathering, which included Martha Stewart.
Lutnick under scrutiny
The documents show that Lutnick and Epstein had scheduled a lunch meeting on Little Saint James, Epstein’s private island in the Caribbean, on December 23, 2012. The following day, an email from Epstein’s assistant to Lutnick mentioned “Nice seeing you.”
These interactions contrast with Lutnick’s comments during a podcast where he stated that he had been neighbours with Epstein around 2005 and was invited to tour his townhome. He claimed Epstein made a sexually suggestive comment about a massage table, leading him to vow never to be in the same room as him again.
A Commerce Department spokesperson addressed discrepancies by stating that Lutnick had limited interactions with Epstein and has never been accused of wrongdoing.
Musk inquires about parties
The documents detail an exchange between Musk and Epstein on Christmas Day 2012. Musk declined an invitation from Epstein to visit Little Saint James, citing the desire for a peaceful island experience over illicit trysts. Days later, a draft email suggested that Epstein might have “parties planned,” though it’s unclear if any meetings occurred.
Trump, Melania
The files include internal emails detailing accusations against President Trump, primarily compiled media reports. However, several messages indicate that federal investigators found no substantiation for the claims and deemed some accusers “not credible.”
One redacted message in 2012 asked if Epstein thought it would be appropriate to visit Mar-a-Lago after Christmas instead of his island.
The release also includes a draft email suggesting that Epstein had assisted Bill Gates with extramarital affairs, though the Gates Foundation denied these allegations.