DOJ records document prolonged contact between Tom Barrack and Jeffrey Epstein
WASHINGTON, DC: A CBS News analysis of newly released Justice Department documents has revealed that Thomas Barrack, a longtime confidant of Donald Trump and current US Ambassador to Turkey, maintained regular contact with Jeffrey Epstein for years.
The correspondence, consisting of over 100 text and email exchanges, shows their relationship continued long after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor.
The records position Barrack within a circle of influential figures who kept social ties with Epstein as he sought to re-establish himself in elite circles.
At times, Epstein seemed to regard Barrack as a potential channel for passing information to Mr. Trump, though records show communication moving only toward Barrack. There is no evidence suggesting Barrack participated in or had knowledge of any criminal conduct by Epstein.
Enduring social and professional ties
The friendship between Barrack and Epstein appears to have persisted undeterred by Epstein's 2008 legal troubles in Florida. In September 2009, shortly after Epstein’s release from jail, Barrack wrote to him,
"Thinking about u, hope u r good and life is calm again". This sentiment marked the beginning of an extended period of contact, including invitations to private residences and discussions of business opportunities.
Over the following years, Epstein facilitated introductions between Barrack and high-profile individuals, including Palantir CEO Peter Thiel and former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak.
The exchanges also show Epstein repeatedly urged Barrack to shift their communications to encrypted apps, such as Signal. Barrack, the founder of a major real estate investment trust, had earlier gained prominence as a lead fundraiser for Mr. Trump’s 2016 campaign.
High-level networking and Middle East deals
By the early 2000s, both men shared strong business ties to the Middle East.
In 2010, Epstein offered Barrack an introduction to Prince Andrew and later invited him to his New Mexico ranch to meet Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, a prominent CEO of Dubai Port. In 2012, Barrack proposed selling Epstein’s Manhattan mansion to the Qatari Prime Minister, an idea that led to a formal viewing of the property.
As Barrack became deeply enmeshed in the 2016 Trump campaign, Epstein reached out with a warning regarding a potentially damaging lawsuit. Epstein forwarded an email about a civil complaint filed by "Katie Johnson," which he described as "nuts but i thought you guys should know".
While Barrack spoke at the Republican National Convention that July, the documents do not indicate if he replied to that specific warning.
Influence during the Trump presidency
Following Mr. Trump's election victory, Epstein continued to play a networking role for Barrack. On the day after the election, a senior Saudi official contacted Epstein to ask about congratulating the new President, to which Epstein responded, "TOM barrack is your point person".
During the transition, Epstein also suggested that influential figures like Bill Gates meet with Barrack.
In May 2017, as Barrack faced scrutiny from the Mueller probe, Epstein recommended a powerhouse white-collar attorney for his defense. Barrack replied that the lawyer was already "on the bosses list," presumably referring to Mr. Trump.
Although Trump has stated he cut ties with Epstein years ago and denies any wrongdoing, the files show that Barrack and Epstein’s communications continued sporadically throughout 2018.
