The Enduring Influence of Jeffrey Epstein on America's Elite

Thu Dec 04 2025 19:39:19 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

New revelations from over 20,000 pages of documents shed light on the extensive ties between Jeffrey Epstein and numerous influential figures in Washington and beyond, despite his convictions for sex crimes.

Recent documents reveal the troubling connections between Jeffrey Epstein and powerful Americans, including House Delegate Stacey Plaskett and former Harvard President Larry Summers. Despite Epstein’s criminal past, many elite figures maintained their associations with him, raising concerns about the implications of such relationships.

It was one of the big set-pieces in Washington in 2019. All eyes were on Donald Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen, who was testifying to a House committee about his former boss. A Democratic member of the committee, Stacey Plaskett, was preparing to question Cohen and was seen on camera texting someone on her phone.

This week, the public found out the identity of the other person in that exchange - convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. According to emails made public by his estate under a subpoena, he was encouraging her to ask about a Trump Organization employee. After Ms Plaskett did so, Epstein texted her back: Good Work.

In hindsight, this incident has struck a chord with many, who say it highlights the extent of his influence on America's elite. Plaskett has denied she was seeking Epstein's advice, claiming she communicated with various people that day, including Epstein.

I am disgusted by Epstein's deviant behavior... I strongly support his victims and admire their courage, she stated.

However, this exchange occurred after Epstein had already been convicted in 2008 for soliciting prostitution and while details of his abuses were surfacing in investigations.

Documents released show that many in Epstein's social circle, including politicians and business leaders, maintained these connections despite his criminal history. Author Barry Levine noted that Epstein was able to maintain an impressive network, leading to both transactional relationships and possibly blackmail opportunities.

Notably, individuals like Larry Summers approached Epstein for personal advice, even as public scrutiny built around Epstein. Such interactions have sparked significant controversy and calls for accountability. Their continued associations raise serious ethical questions about how power dynamics operated and how they allowed Epstein to persist in elite social circles.

The fallout from Epstein's actions and relationships has been dramatic, resulting in the downfall of some allies while others, like Trump, distanced themselves.

As new revelations continue to emerge, society is left to consider how these high-profile individuals could overlook or excuse Epstein's blatant criminality for so long, ultimately shifting focus onto the intricate web of power and privilege that allowed such disturbing associations to thrive.