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Jeffery Epstein, the Gift that Keeps on Giving

The Long List of Elites Ensnared in the Scandal


Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender whose web of influence ensnared some of the world's most powerful figures, continues to haunt the elite long after his death in 2019. The recent release of millions of documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act—signed into law by President Donald Trump on November 19, 2025—has unleashed a torrent of revelations, leading to arrests, resignations, and widespread public humiliation. This legislation mandated the Department of Justice to disclose all unclassified records related to Epstein's investigations, culminating in the publication of over 3.5 million pages, including thousands of videos and images, by January 30, 2026. What was intended as a push for transparency has instead become a catalyst for accountability, exposing connections that many hoped would remain buried.



The fallout has been swift and severe, with high-profile figures facing arrests, resignations, and public scrutiny. Below is a breakdown of key individuals affected, starting with the most prominent arrest and progressing to other notable cases:

  • Prince Andrew (former royal, United Kingdom): Arrested by Thames Valley Police on February 16, 2026—his birthday—on suspicion of misconduct in public office, following fresh details from the Epstein files about his relationship with the disgraced financier. This followed his stripping of all royal titles in October 2025 amid renewed scrutiny, during which police raided royal residences, adding to the public humiliation.

  • Lord Peter Mandelson (British political figure, United Kingdom): Resigned from the Labour Party on February 2, 2026, and from the House of Lords the following day, after the files revealed payments and leaked secrets he allegedly provided to Epstein.

  • Kathryn Ruemmler (Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at Goldman Sachs, former White House counsel, United States): Announced her resignation on February 12, 2026, effective June 30, 2026, after documents revealed extensive emails and communications with Epstein from 2014 to 2019, where she referred to him as "Uncle Jeffrey" or an "older brother," advised him on media strategies, and accepted luxury gifts. She has expressed regret over her association and sympathy for his victims.

  • Brad Karp (Chairman of Paul, Weiss law firm, United States): Stepped down on February 4, 2026, citing distractions from his exchanges with Epstein, including dinners, lavish gifts, and professional favors.

  • Thomas Pritzker (Executive Chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, United States): Resigned on February 16, 2026, acknowledging past contact with Epstein and citing poor judgment.

  • Larry Summers (Former Treasury Secretary, United States): Took a leave from Harvard University and resigned from OpenAI's board following revelations of his ties to Epstein.

  • Bill Gates (Microsoft co-founder, United States): Faced significant public humiliation, with documents amplifying reports of his multiple meetings with Epstein despite warnings from associates. Gates has expressed deep regret, calling his involvement "foolish" and denying any illegal activities or island visits. Still, the scrutiny contributed to his 2021 divorce from Melinda Gates, who cited Epstein ties as a factor and described Epstein as "evil personified." The files suggest Epstein used compromising information to manipulate or extort him, including knowledge of Gates' extramarital affair with Russian bridge player Mila Antonova around 2010; Epstein paid for her coding school tuition and emailed Gates in 2017 demanding reimbursement in a tone implying exposure of the affair. Additional emails claim Gates contracted an STD from encounters with Russian women, which he has denied as "completely false."

  • Howard Lutnick (U.S. Commerce Secretary and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, United States): Mentioned 223 times in the files, revealing numerous interactions, including 2018 emails, a 2012 family visit to Epstein's private island for lunch, a $50,000 donation from Epstein, and joint business ventures. Despite bipartisan calls for resignation from lawmakers like Rep. Valerie Foushee, Sen. Jacky Rosen, Rep. Ro Khanna, and Rep. Thomas Massie, Lutnick has downplayed his relationship with Epstein, claiming he "barely had anything to do" with Epstein, and remains in his position with White House support.

  • Miroslav Lajčák (National Security Adviser, Slovakia): Resigned on January 31, 2026, after emails showed exchanges with Epstein about women and diplomacy.

  • Mona Juul (Former Ambassador, Norway): Resigned over the weekend of February 11, 2026, after reports revealed Epstein left $10 million to her children in his will.

  • Thorbjørn Jagland (Former Prime Minister, Norway): Faces charges of aggravated corruption related to his ties to Epstein.


Reports indicate that at least 17 elites have faced punishments ranging from resignations and ridicule to criminal investigations. The documents have also spotlighted figures like President Donald Trump, whose name appears multiple times in flight logs and other records, prompting intense media scrutiny and public debate. Other notable mentions include Elon Musk, Bill Clinton, and Richard Branson, who have fueled calls for further accountability.


The releases have not been without controversy. Critics, including Epstein survivors and members of Congress, have slammed the Department of Justice for inconsistent redactions, arguing that key names and details were protected unjustly. This has led to broader international fallout, with European markets reacting to the scandal's spread among elites, causing shocks in the UK gilt market. The sheer volume of material—over 3 million pages in the latest tranche alone—has overwhelmed analysts, but it has undeniably shifted public perception, turning Epstein's legacy into a symbol of unchecked power and its inevitable reckoning.


As more details emerge, Epstein's story proves that even in death, his influence persists, forcing society to confront the dark underbelly of privilege. The "gift" of these documents keeps giving—not closure, but chaos for those once thought untouchable.


Sources:

Epstein Files Transparency Act and Document Releases (2025-2026)

Kathryn Ruemmler and Goldman Sachs Resignation

Bill Gates and Epstein Ties/Extortion

Howard Lutnick and Epstein Ties

Prince Andrew Arrest and Epstein Ties

Lord Peter Mandelson and Epstein Ties

Brad Karp and Paul Weiss Resignation

Thomas Pritzker and Hyatt Resignation

Larry Summers Resignations and Epstein Ties

Miroslav Lajčák Resignation

Mona Juul Resignation

Thorbjørn Jagland Charges

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