Russia 'Hoax' Revived: Epstein Emails Demonstrate Back Channel
Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in Helsinki, 2018. Photo courtesy of Kremlin.ru under CC BY 4.0.
Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender whose influence reached far beyond his crimes, reportedly offered to brief Russian officials on how to handle President Donald Trump, according to newly released emails. In 2018 correspondence, Epstein claimed he had already shared insights about Trump with Russia's late ambassador to the United Nations, Vitaly Churkin, and suggested that Russia's foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, could gain from similar discussions.
Epstein's Offer to Russia Comes Into Focus
On June 24, 2018, Epstein emailed Thorbjorn Jagland, then secretary general of the Council of Europe and former prime minister of Norway, proposing that Jagland suggest to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Lavrov "can get insight on talking to me," as reported by POLITICO. Epstein wrote that Churkin "was great" and "understood Trump after our conversations. It is not complex. He must be seen to get something. It's that simple," according to emails released by congressional investigators. This exchange paints a picture of back-channel communication involving a convicted sex offender and top Russian officials.
Jagland reportedly replied that he was scheduled to meet Lavrov's assistant the next day and would recommend connecting Epstein with Russia's foreign minister. According to POLITICO, it remains unclear if this meeting ever took place.
This communication reportedly arrived just weeks before the controversial Helsinki summit in July 2018 where President Trump met Putin. The summit drew sharp criticism due to President Trump's apparent conciliatory stance. Epstein's offer of insight to Russian officials adds a new element to the complex interplay between President Trump, Russia, and Epstein's international network.
Epstein's Take on the Helsinki Summit
The emails provide further insight into Epstein's view of President Trump's presidency. On the day of the Helsinki meeting, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers emailed Epstein, calling the summit "appalling" and asked whether "the Russians have stuff on Trump," as reported by POLITICO. Epstein responded that President Trump probably believed the meeting "went super well" and that he "thinks he has charmed his adversary," but Epstein added that President Trump "has no idea of the symbolism" and "has no idea of most things." He described President Trump's handling of the summit as "predictable."
National Security Concerns and Contradictions
Epstein's emails raise alarms about a convicted sex offender's access to sensitive foreign officials during a critical period in U.S.-Russia relations. His claim of advising Russian diplomats on President Trump's mindset invites serious national security questions. Epstein openly portrayed himself as a diplomatic insider, despite his criminal record.
The White House quickly dismissed the emails as politically motivated smears. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the broader batch "prove absolutely nothing other than President Trump did nothing wrong" and accused Democrats of selectively leaking information to "create a fake narrative," as reported by The Independent.
President Trump labeled the emails a "Jeffrey Epstein Hoax" on Truth Social and called them an attempt to "deflect on how badly they've done on the Shutdown," as reported by POLITICO.
Epstein's Wider Network and Influence
The documents also highlight Epstein's extensive global connections. Beyond Russia, Epstein boasted of ties with powerful figures such as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Epstein once wrote to billionaire Tom Pritzker about receiving a gift of "TENT carpets and all" from MBS, which Pritzker cryptically interpreted as either a term of endearment or dismissal, as reported by POLITICO.
Epstein's longstanding relationship with President Trump, complicated as it was, shows fractures. While President Trump described Epstein as a "terrific guy" he knew for 15 years in 2002, by 2019, President Trump had claimed to have fallen out with Epstein "a long time ago," as reported by The Independent. Epstein wrote in 2019 that President Trump allegedly "knew about the girls as he asked Ghislaine [Maxwell] to stop," a claim the president has strongly denied.
Political Maneuvering and Document Release
House Democrats initially released thousands of Epstein emails, followed by House Republicans sharing a fuller cache, accusing Democrats of cherry-picking documents to push a particular narrative. These communications illuminate Epstein's global influence and persistent efforts to maintain relevance despite his prosecution.
Unanswered Questions
It is not known whether Epstein's offer influenced Russian officials or if Russian diplomats incorporated Epstein's input when engaging with President Trump.
The notion that a convicted sex offender claimed access to, and influence over, foreign diplomats amid high-stakes U.S.-Russia relations pushes this scandal into new territory. Whether Epstein was bluffing or wielding real sway is a question still resonant in intelligence and political circles.
You can judge for yourself Epstein's assertion that "it is not complex" to understand President Trump. What remains clear is that Epstein was offering that understanding directly to Russia's highest officials during one of the tense moments in international diplomacy.
References: Jeffrey Epstein claimed he gave Russians insight into Trump | Jeffrey Epstein Offered to Help Russia 'Understand Trump,' Emails Reveal | Epstein tried to set up meeting with Russians to offer insight into Trump, newly released emails show
