Network of public figures associated with Jeffrey Epstein
Acquaintances of Jeffrey Epstein are the documented relationships maintained by American financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.[1] Over several decades, Epstein cultivated connections with prominent individuals across finance, royalty and polictics.[2][3]
Before his 2008 conviction, Epstein hosted frequent gatherings at his residences. Journalist Michael Wolff met Epstein around 2001 and advised him on press relations, recommending minimal engagement with reporters.[15]
Despite this advice, Epstein participated in high-profile media profiles published by New York Magazine in 2002 and Vanity Fair in 2003. Wolff later stated that Epstein viewed TED conferences as venues for meeting scientists, intellectuals, and technology leaders outside traditional social hierarchies.[16]
Epstein and Donald Trump socialized from the late 1980s through the mid-2000s, particularly in New York City and Palm Beach.[17]
Trump publicly praised Epstein in 2002 but later stated that he had severed contact years earlier. A 1992 video surfaced showing Trump and Epstein at a party at Mar-a-Lago.[18]
Epstein visited the White House multiple times during the Clinton presidency and attended Democratic fundraisers in the 1990s.[19]
Post-2008 associations
After Epstein’s incarceration, several associates publicly distanced themselves.[20] However, entertainment publicist Peggy Siegal continued to include Epstein in private events, citing his assurances that he had changed his behavior.[21]
Epstein continued to fund intellectual salons organized by literary agent John Brockman, allowing him to interact with academics, scientists, and technology executives years after his conviction.[22]
According to documents released by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in January 2026, Musk had repeatedly asked Epstein to visit his private island from 2012 to 2013. There is no evidence that any meeting actually took place in that period. Several of the arranged meetings fell apart due to scheduling conflicts and other issues.[27][28]
Musk wrote to Epstein in a 2012 email that they had a "very enjoyable conversation", to which Epstein replied that he hoped it would become "the first of many". While Musk was chairman of SolarCity, Epstein talked to him about using solar power energy in his own properties. Documents released by DOJ in December 2025 show that Musk told Epstein that he wanted to "hit the party scene” in St. Barts, adding that "The invitation is much appreciated, but a peaceful island experience is the opposite of what I’m looking for."[29]
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