Why the Rich and Powerful Could Not Say No to Jeffrey Epstein

Jeffrey Epstein’s influence over political, financial, academic and business elites continues to raise questions years after his death. Newly released documents reveal how many relationships with him survived long after his criminal conviction. These details offer a view into the dynamics of power in the United States and why some of the world’s most influential people continued to engage with him.

A High Profile Moment in Washington

In 2019, former President Donald Trump’s lawyer, Michael Cohen, testified before a US House committee. As Cohen prepared to answer questions, Representative Stacey Plaskett was seen texting someone on her phone. This week, the public learned that the person she was texting was Jeffrey Epstein.

Emails released by Epstein’s estate show that he encouraged Plaskett to ask about an employee of the Trump Organization. After she asked the question, Epstein replied with a message that read: “Good Work.”

The revelation has renewed concerns about how far Epstein’s reach extended, even after his previous legal troubles.

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The Extent of Epstein’s Influence

Plaskett, who represents the US Virgin Islands, denied seeking advice from Epstein. She said she was communicating with many people that day and Epstein was one of her constituents. With experience as a lawyer, she explained that she often gathered information from a wide range of sources, including people she did not personally trust.

She said she fully condemns Epstein’s behaviour and supports the release of all Epstein related documents. Their exchange happened before Epstein’s 2019 arrest but more than a decade after his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution.

By that time, his private island had already been mentioned in a major investigation by the Miami Herald. The investigation detailed the abuse of underage girls and placed his actions under stronger public scrutiny.

Six months after the exchange with Plaskett, Epstein was found dead in his prison cell. The medical examiner ruled his death a suicide. The announcement created a wave of public debate and conspiracy theories.

A New Collection of Documents

More than 20,000 pages of personal documents made public this week reveal that Epstein maintained an extensive network of connections. These documents show he remained close to influential individuals long after his conviction and long after major media investigations had exposed his actions.

Barry Levine, author of The Spider: Inside the Criminal Web of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, explained that the documents reflect how relationships operate at the top levels of US society. He said Epstein was manipulative but skilled at maintaining access to powerful individuals.

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Epstein’s Strategy for Building Relationships

Epstein described himself as a “people collector.” Levine said he formed relationships with transactional goals in mind. Epstein often gathered information with the expectation that he would eventually receive financial benefits, social favours or leverage that he could use for influence.

One relationship that has received significant attention is his connection with Lord Peter Mandelson. Congressional documents show Mandelson remained in contact with Epstein until late 2016. This was after Epstein’s conviction but before the 2018 Miami Herald investigation.

In one email from 2015, Epstein wished Mandelson a happy birthday. Mandelson replied that he had decided to spend more time in the United States. He has denied any wrongdoing and said he regrets continued communication with Epstein.

Epstein’s Circle of Scholars, Entrepreneurs and Politicians

The documents highlight Epstein’s connections with academics, global business leaders and political figures. Some acquaintances may not have known the full extent of his crimes. Others may have ignored the warning signs because of his wealth or connections.

Levine explained that many people dismissed Epstein’s conviction because of his strong reputation among global elites. Journalist David Patrick Columbia once said that a jail sentence did not affect a person’s social standing and that the only thing that caused social exclusion in New York was poverty.

Notable Interactions

Harvard President and former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers exchanged several messages with Epstein. One exchange took place in 2018, the same month the Miami Herald investigation was published. Summers asked Epstein for advice on a personal matter involving a woman. After the messages became public, Summers stepped back from public roles and stopped teaching at Harvard. He said he felt deeply ashamed of his actions.

Epstein also maintained a relationship with linguist Noam Chomsky. Chomsky said Epstein assisted him with the movement of money between accounts but stated that he received no financial benefit. Chomsky said he believed Epstein had served his sentence and that US norms treated that as a clean start.

According to Levine, Epstein’s financial expertise attracted many wealthy individuals. He understood tax structures and financial strategies at a level that impressed even high earning Wall Street professionals.

Those Who Cut Ties

One name appears frequently in Epstein’s documents. Donald Trump. However, Trump did not appear in the exchanges released this week because he had already cut ties with Epstein before the documents were created.

Trump and Epstein were close in the 1990s. Their relationship ended in the early 2000s. By 2008, Trump publicly stated that he was not a fan of Epstein. Trump has denied any knowledge of Epstein’s abuse. The White House previously said that Trump banned Epstein from his club for inappropriate behaviour toward female staff.

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Immediate Rejection

Some individuals distanced themselves after a single encounter. Howard Lutnick, a business leader and a neighbour of Epstein, described meeting him once in 2005. During a tour of Epstein’s home, Lutnick saw a dining room with a massage table surrounded by candles. When he asked how often Epstein used it, Epstein said he used it every day and then made a suggestive comment.

Lutnick said he and his wife exchanged glances and left the home. He decided never to be in the same room with Epstein again.

A Story of Power and Abuse

Epstein’s network extended across government, finance, academia and global business. Many individuals who communicated with him after his conviction now face questions, even if they did not take part in any wrongdoing.

Levine described the broader situation as a story that combines power, privilege and predatory behaviour. He said that nearly everyone who interacted with Epstein now regrets the time they spent with him.