Fact Check: Did Sen Jon Husted receive over $100k in donations from Epstein associate Les Wexner?

WASHINGTON, DC: In mid-February, a rumor circulated online claiming that Republican Senator Jon Husted received more than $100,000 in donations from Les Wexner, an associate of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

According to the rumor, this occurred before he voted to block the release of files related to the federal investigation into Epstein. But is there any truth to this claim? Let us find out below. 

Claim: Jon Husted received donations from Les Wexner

An X user shared a post on February 12 that claimed, "NEW: Campaign records show Ohio Sen Jon Husted took over $100,000 from Jeffrey Epstein co-conspirator Les Wexner, including months before voting to block release of Epstein-related documents."

Similarly, a Facebook user posted, "BREAKING: Senator Jon Husted (R-OH) took over $100,000 from Epstein co-conspirator Les Wexner, accepting "donations" months before voting to block the Epstein Files."

"It all becomes clearer, not only are many in office implicated the crime of the century, many are now being paid to try and block justice. Corruption on corruption," the post added. 

Moreover, a Facebook post from former Ohio Sen Sherrod Brown, a Democrat who is running for Husted's seat, read, "Ohioans deserve answers from Jon Husted."

The rumor originated with a February 12 report from TiffinOhio.net. The website reported that Husted accepted $116,892 from Wexner between 2001 and 2025.

Furthermore, the report included both Wexner's contributions to political action committees specifically for Husted and funds for Republican Governor Mike DeWine's gubernatorial campaigns.

Fact check: Mostly true, public campaign records prove it

The claims made in the viral posts are true. Les Wexner directly donated nearly $80,000 to Husted's political action committees for two decades, including a $3,500 donation in July 2025, as per public campaign records.

Moreover, Wexner also donated about $37,000 to DeWine and Husted's gubernatorial campaign. 

Meanwhile, in September 2025, Husted supported a motion to halt proceedings on a Senate amendment proposed by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer that would have directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to release the Epstein files. 

Interestingly, adding the amount Wexner donated to Husted, along with the amount he gave to DeWine and Husted's gubernatorial campaign, was more than $100,000. 

In November 2025, the Senate approved the release of additional Epstein files after Schumer requested unanimous consent. Since Husted did not object, he signed off on releasing the Epstein files by default.

Furthermore, Husted reportedly told The Columbus Dispatch and WBNS that he would donate money received from Wexner, though he apparently did not give further details about the donation.