Newly released documents from the US Congress provide insight into the extensive network of contacts maintained by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during the 2010s. Among those named are prominent figures such as Elon Musk, political strategist Steve Bannon, and venture capitalist Peter Thiel. These revelations come from a set of records that include flight logs and transaction ledgers, highlighting Epstein’s connections to high-profile individuals.
One significant document is a flight log from the year 2000, which lists Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, as a passenger on Epstein’s private jet traveling from New Jersey to Palm Beach, Florida. Accompanying him on this flight were Epstein and his close associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. The log raises questions about the nature of Epstein’s relationships with influential figures.
Another document, described as a ledger of transactions, was largely redacted but included two entries labeled “massage for Andrew,” both dated in 2000, each for the amount of $200. This raises further scrutiny regarding the activities associated with Epstein’s operations.
The release of these documents follows a subpoena issued by the House Oversight Committee, which obtained six heavily redacted pages from Epstein’s estate. Among the notable entries is a diary record indicating that Epstein was scheduled to have breakfast with Bannon in February 2019, shortly after Bannon had departed from the White House and returned to media engagements. This meeting was just months before Epstein’s arrest on charges of sex trafficking minors.
Additionally, an email revealed that Epstein planned to meet Thiel for lunch in New York in November 2017. Thiel, known for co-founding PayPal and Palantir and being the first outside investor in Facebook, is among America’s wealthiest individuals and a prominent Republican donor.
Epstein’s December 2014 schedule also noted a “tentative breakfast” with Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft. A note regarding Musk mentioned a possible visit to Epstein’s private island, Little St. James, prompting the question: “Is this still happening?”
Epstein’s legal troubles began in 2006 when he was first indicted in Florida for solicitation of prostitution. Following this, his lawyers negotiated a controversial plea deal that allowed him to serve just 13 months in jail after pleading guilty to two charges, including solicitation of prostitution with a minor. This lenient sentence has drawn widespread criticism and led to renewed scrutiny of his connections with various influential figures.
The implications of these newly released documents continue to unfold, raising significant questions about the relationships Epstein maintained and the extent of his influence. The findings suggest a broader network that could involve more high-profile individuals than previously known, prompting ongoing investigations into Epstein’s activities and connections.
