Lawyers for Donald Trump recently conducted an internal investigation into Boris Epshteyn, a former senior advisor to Trump during his first term after allegations surfaced that Epshteyn sought financial gain from his influence on Trump and others in the president-elect’s universe. That’s according to numerous sources familiar with the matter.
The internal investigation, confirmed by several sources, isn’t criminal in nature, but it has probed multiple instances of Epshteyn allegedly requesting payment in exchange for promoting candidates for positions within the administration or for offering to connect people with officials within the upcoming administration who are relevant to their industries, these sources said.
If these allegations are true, it looks like Epshteyn purportedly pulled at least one bold move — at one point, requesting $100,000 per month in exchange for his services, sources acquainted with this matter said, according to CNN.
Two sources said that those investigating the attorney and investment banker’s alleged activities recommended that Epshtyn be removed from Trump’s proximity and that he not be employed or paid by Trump entities.
It’s anyone’s guess as to what will happen, but CNN reports that as of Monday, Trump’s transition team hasn’t been heeding this recommendation.
“I am honored to work for President Trump and with his team,” Epshteyn said in a statement to CNN. “These fake claims are false and defamatory and will not distract us from Making America Great Again.”
Epshteyn has long been seen as one of Trump’s most ardent advisers, but his purported behavior serves as a good example of just how roiled the waters are in the transition process as the President-elect and his team staff the nascent administration. He’s been a frequent fixture sitting in on important meetings and candidate briefings at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida.
His presence, however, has often been divisive. He is known to be combative and loud and frequently boasts about his close relationship with Trump, sources in this universe say. He’s served as both an attorney and adviser to Trump. This has irked some of the more experienced attorneys in Trump’s circle. It’s safe to say some of these attorneys were probably also not happy that Epshteyn played a key role in organizing Trump’s criminal defense strategy after the former president was indicted four times.
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Epshteyn hasn’t been accused of illegal behavior but the decision to launch an internal investigation shows that at least in this case the Trump team is being cautious around activity that could be considered unsavory.
“As is standard practice, a broad review of the campaign’s consulting agreements has been conducted and completed, including as to Boris, among others,” said Trump transition spokesman Steven Cheung in a statement to CNN. “We are now moving ahead together as a team to help President Trump Make America Great Again.”
There’s been more than a few instances of Epshteyn requesting payment in exchange for introductions and influence with the incoming Trump administration, two sources said. Others familiar with the situation say that Trump’s legal team was investigating other similar alleged incidents. Sources also say the allegations surrounding Epshteyn were brought to the attention of Susie Wiles, Trump’s soon-to-be chief of staff. At this time, it isn’t clear whether the allegations have been directly presented to Trump.
One person with ties to Epshteyn dissed the idea that this was pay-for-play. “This is how Washington works,” the person said.
Allies of the Russian-American Republican political strategist described him as the product of newer associates not understanding how things work between Trump and Epshteyn. Those allies also said these people have a real disdain for the power Epshteyn wields with the incoming president. Epshteyn was a continual presence on Trump’s plane throughout the end of the 2024 campaign, constantly insisting he be present for conversations and briefings that had little to do with legal issues, one source close to Trump told CNN.
“Boris is a Trump original—loyal and effective from the beginning,” a Trump transition official told CNN. “He works for President Trump and nobody else and has helped defeat the most vicious lawfare campaign in history. Boris has seen these petty skirmishes before, but he always perseveres.”
“Vicious lawfare.” Yeah right. Trump has skated through all his convictions without trouble. And did I mention Epshteyn has also lobbied for Matt Gaetz? He’s rumored to have pushed Trump to nominate the Florida Republican Congressman for Attorney General.
That’s how this man rolls. It’s how the entire Trump administration will roll — you can be sure these people will be chasing the money. That’s all they are interested in, four years of this.
Fun, fun, fun.
Here’s a clip from CNN that highlights the situation further.
Murray: We're learning that lawyers for Trump have been investigating whether Boris Epshteyn sought to gain financially from his access to Donald Trump and others in Trump's orbit.. pic.twitter.com/bKQbQd9zqm
— Acyn (@Acyn) November 25, 2024
Featured image via screengrab
