Epstein Received Congressional Invitations Years After Conviction
Jeffrey Epstein, the billionaire convicted sex offender, was invited to exclusive gatherings with more than a dozen current and former members of Congress in the years following his initial arrest and guilty plea, according to documents released by the Department of Justice. The invitations spanned from 2011 to 2017, revealing a persistent effort by political insiders to engage with Epstein despite his criminal record.
Exclusive Events and High-Profile Invitations
Epstein's inbox contained numerous offers to attend prestigious political events. In January 2011, he was invited to a breakfast at a luxury Manhattan hotel with Florida Republican Rep. Allen West, described as a "rising star." The invitation promised discussions on issues like spending, taxes, and Israel. Although Epstein declined, citing travel to the Caribbean, such opportunities were far from isolated.
Other notable invitations included:
- A November 2012 fundraiser at billionaire Mortimer Zuckerman's home for then-Sen. Max Baucus, with Sen. Chuck Schumer likely to attend.
- A 2012 fundraiser for New York GOP Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, co-hosted by billionaire John Catsimatidis.
- A 2013 birthday gala for then-New York Rep. Joe Crowley at the Dream Downtown Hotel, featuring a performance by singer Willie Nile.
- A 2017 dinner with Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, hosted by Delegate Stacey Plaskett.
Most invitations were for exclusive gatherings, though some sought one-on-one meetings. Over half of the lawmakers involved hailed from New York, New Mexico, and Florida—states where Epstein owned properties.
Intermediaries and Unclear Attendance
The invitations were typically issued by intermediaries, such as public relations executives and major donors with ties to Epstein. It remains unclear how many events Epstein actually attended, if any, or whether lawmakers were aware of the outreach on their behalf. A spokesperson for Rep. Malliotakis stated she never met Epstein, did not invite him, and never received a donation from him.
Documents show that political operatives viewed Epstein as a valuable contact rather than shunning him. For instance, in 2009, Zuckerman exchanged emails with Epstein about influencing media coverage of his guilty plea, writing, "We r doing major editing over huge objections."
One-on-One Meeting Requests
Beyond group events, Epstein received emails proposing private meetings with lawmakers. In July 2012, a staffer asked if he would meet New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich for lunch in New York City. Between 2011 and 2014, Barbro Ehnbom repeatedly attempted to set up meetings between Epstein and Colorado Rep. Diana DeGette, highlighting DeGette's scientific agenda.
A spokesperson for DeGette said she had no knowledge of Ehnbom's relationship with Epstein and never met him, adding that Epstein did not attend the fundraisers and made no contributions. Epstein also pursued former members of Congress, such as ex-Sen. George Mitchell, whom he met in 2013, and invited ex-Sen. Bob Kerrey to a lunch at his Manhattan townhouse in 2014.
Context and Aftermath
All named lawmakers currently in office voted to pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandated the release of DOJ records. Being named in the files is not evidence of wrongdoing. The documents, however, underscore how Epstein maintained political connections long after his 2008 conviction for procuring a minor for prostitution and his 13-month jail sentence.
This analysis by The Independent, based on DOJ documents, reveals a pattern of political engagement with Epstein, involving fundraisers, galas, and private briefings, reflecting his enduring influence in certain circles prior to his death.
