Michael Wolff, an author known for his controversial takes, once suggested to Jeffrey Epstein that he could leverage a potential blackmail scheme against then-presidential candidate Donald Trump, proposing that Epstein could create a “debt” for him.
Emails detailing these exchanges were among various documents released by the House Oversight Committee recently.
In a December 2015 email, Wolff warned Epstein that CNN might ask Trump about his relationship with Epstein, either during a broadcast or in a post-interview scrum.
“I think we should let him hang himself,” Wolff wrote, adding that suggesting Trump wasn’t on a flight with Epstein could turn into advantageous publicity for Epstein.
Wolff continued by stating that they had the option to either damage Trump or, if they believed he might win, assist him while still creating a “debt.”
Wolff, who authored the book Fire and Fury, hinted that Trump might express concern about sex trafficking if asked.
“Of course, if asked, he could say that Jeffrey is a great guy who got a bad deal…” Wolff noted, alluding to how Trump might spin the narrative.
Wolff also recommended that Epstein devise a plan, suggesting that their past could be a game-changer for Trump’s campaign if addressed publicly.
“The media will focus on this,” he wrote in a January 2016 exchange, emphasizing the need for a strategy.
By February 2016, as Trump’s poll numbers climbed, Epstein informed Wolff that reporters were reaching out more frequently.
“Yeah, you’re Trump’s bullet,” Wolff replied, pointing out the attention they were attracting from media like the New York Times and advising Epstein to be proactive.
Just before the election, Wolff reached out again, implying that it was an opportune moment for Epstein to speak out against Trump.
“This week, you have an opportunity to come forward and talk about Trump in a way that will resonate greatly with you and help end him,” Wolff wrote, asking if Epstein was interested.
Wolff has notably built much of his career around Trump’s presidency, with his first book selling around two million copies shortly after its 2018 release.
After Trump’s election, Wolff boasted to Epstein about his financially lucrative book project, alluding to a phone call where Trump vented about the media.
Additionally, Wolff sought Epstein’s help in connecting him with individuals who could provide an “off-the-record perspective on White House proceedings.”
Despite its bestseller status, Trump’s reaction to Wolff’s book was scathing, dismissing it as “garbage” and “full of lies,” criticizing its portrayal of his family life and character.
Though the book attempted to provide an insider view of Trump’s presidency, it was met with backlash from many journalists for its questionable reporting.
