A newly disclosed batch of emails reveals that journalist and author Michael Wolff encouraged convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to exploit his relationship with then‑presidential candidate Donald Trump as political leverage.
The correspondence, released by the congressional oversight committee, spans from late 2015 into early 2016. In one email, Wolff wrote to Epstein: “I hear CNN planning to ask Trump tonight about his relationship with you… I think you should let him hang himself.” The suggestion: Trump’s denial of having visited Epstein’s plane or residence could become “valuable PR and political currency.”
Another exchange in early 2016 saw Wolff and Epstein plotting how Epstein could become a “bullet” to end Trump’s campaign or, alternately, gain influence if Trump owed him a favour.
These revelations raise significant questions around journalistic ethics, political manipulation, and the opaque web surrounding Epstein’s network. While nothing in this release directly proves wrongdoing on Trump’s part, it deepens scrutiny of the dynamics between Wolff, Epstein, and Trump’s political rise.
Key Takeaways:
- Wolff urged Epstein to use Trump‑associated rumors or denials as a strategic tool.
- The emails place this advice squarely in the lead‑up to the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
- The disclosures fuel broader concerns about Epstein’s influence and access to powerful figures.
- Neither Wolff nor Epstein has faced immediate legal consequences for these communications.
Conclusion:
The surfaced emails underscore how intertwined media, politics and controversial figures can become. Wolff’s role in advising Epstein to treat Trump’s association as weaponizable suggests a deeper level of strategic maneuvering than previously understood. The full implications of these communications remain to be seen as investigations continue.
