WASHINGTON — An investigation initiated by the top lawyer of Donald Trump’s transition team looked into allegations against an adviser to the president-elect, who purportedly leveraged his closeness to Trump to secure payments from individuals aspiring for positions or influence within the forthcoming administration.
The inquiry, led by attorney David Warrington, suggested that Trump’s team should significantly limit the access of adviser Boris Epshteyn to the president-elect, according to a source who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter.
This incident underscores the peculiar and frequently chaotic environment surrounding Trump, highlighting how some of the same figures, who contributed to the tumultuous nature of his initial term, are again part of his preparation for a second presidency as he moves towards assuming office on January 20.
Among those alleged to have been solicited by Epshteyn for payments is Scott Bessent, Trump’s pick for treasury secretary. Bessent fought hard for the position over several months but supposedly faced opposition from Epshteyn after the hedge fund manager declined to agree to a substantial payment to him.
The investigation also reviewed a complaint from former Missouri Governor Eric Greitens, who resigned from office amid a scandal yet expressed a desire to join Trump’s administration. Greitens shared a statement last week, recounting a conversation he had with Epshteyn on November 7. He indicated that Epshteyn’s “overall tone and behavior gave me the impression of an implicit expectation to engage in business dealings with him before he would advocate for or suggest my appointment to the President. This created a sense of unease and pressure on my part.”
While Epshteyn is not accused of any illegal activities—since acquiring fees for access to influential officials is routine in D.C.—the review seems geared toward diminishing his influential role in Trump’s network. The president-elect has consistently expressed discomfort with individuals he perceives as exploiting their association with him for personal advantage.
Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, acknowledged that a comprehensive review of the campaign’s consulting contracts had been executed, including those concerning Epshteyn. Cheung stated, “We are now moving ahead together as a team to help President Trump Make America Great Again.”
Veterans from previous presidential campaigns and transitions noted that such a review is quite atypical, and Cheung refrained from commenting on Epshteyn’s future involvement.
Epshteyn briefly held a mid-level position in Trump’s first administration and became notably significant in Trump’s world after leaving office in 2021. He played a crucial role in developing Trump’s legal strategies as the former president confronted numerous criminal and civil concerns following the Capitol events on January 6 and his endeavors to contest the results of the 2020 presidential election.
Facing state charges in Arizona related to alleged attempts by Trump allies to undermine the election, Epshteyn maintains his innocence. Presently, he serves as a senior adviser and counsel to Trump; however, even prior to the inquiry, it was anticipated that he would not assume a position in the new administration.
Epshteyn expressed in a statement, “I am honored to work for President Trump and with his team. These fake claims are false and defamatory and will not distract us from Making America Great Again.”
Eric Trump, the president-elect’s son and college acquaintance of Epshteyn, commented on Fox News that if the claims were accurate, his long-time friend could soon find himself absent from the campaign.
“I have known Boris for years, and I have never known him to be anything but a good human being,” Eric Trump remarked. “So, that said, I will tell you, my father’s been incredibly clear. You do not, you do not do that under any circumstance. And, believe me, there will be repercussions if somebody was.”
The investigation surrounding Epshteyn was initially reported by a conservative news outlet. Trump remarked to the website that while every president likely has individuals around them trying to monetize their proximity, it’s disheartening but inevitable. “But no one working for me in any capacity should be looking to make money. They should only be here to Make America Great Again,” he added.
During the 2022 midterms, some of Trump’s associates also represented candidates vying for his endorsement, raising concerns about aides profiting from their closeness to the former president.