President-elect Donald J. Trump’s legal team has uncovered allegations that Boris Epshteyn, a key adviser in Trump’s orbit, solicited retainer fees from individuals seeking appointments in the new administration, according to multiple sources briefed on the matter. The claims have prompted a formal review led by David Warrington, the campaign’s de facto general counsel.
Allegations Against Epshteyn
The review alleges that Epshteyn approached at least two individuals, including Scott Bessent, Trump’s nominee for Treasury secretary, seeking substantial payments. Bessent was reportedly asked to pay $30,000 to $40,000 per month for Epshteyn’s assistance in “promoting” his c andidacy within Trump’s inner circle at Mar-a-Lago.
The second incident involved a defense contractor, who was allegedly pressured to pay $100,000 monthly under the impression that failing to hire Epshteyn would jeopardize their chances of securing a role in the administration. Both individuals reportedly refused the offers. Bessent declined to comment, and the defense contractor expressed concerns about potential retaliation.
Trump and Allies Respond
Epshteyn, a close ally who has been central to Trump’s legal defense team, denied the accusations in a statement, calling them “false and defamatory.” The Trump transition team spokesman, Steven Cheung, stated that a broad review of campaign consulting agreements had been conducted and resolved, but details about the specific findings remain unclear.
President Trump himself addressed the matter in an interview, expressing disappointment: “No one working for me in any capacity should be looking to make money.” Eric Trump added a stern warning, emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior: “If true, the person will probably no longer be around.”
History of Paid Consulting
Epshteyn has a history of providing consulting services to Republican candidates, often with mixed reviews. Carl Paladino, a former congressional candidate, claimed he paid Epshteyn $20,000 per month but found the advice provided “totally useless.”
These allegations come as Epshteyn faces separate legal challenges, including an indictment in Arizona related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Despite his controversies, Epshteyn has maintained significant influence within Trump’s inner circle.
Next Steps
While the internal investigation concluded that Epshteyn’s proximity to Trump should be “terminated,” it remains uncertain whether Trump will act on these recommendations. The allegations highlight ongoing concerns about ethical practices and financial entanglements within Trump’s political network as he prepares for his new administration.
The situation has raised broader questions about transparency and the potential for individuals to exploit proximity to political power for personal gain. Whether these findings lead to repercussions for Epshteyn or prompt stricter oversight of Trump’s transition process remains to be seen.