Documents released by the Justice Department reveal that deceased financier Jeffrey Epstein sought assistance from Joe Lockhart, former press secretary for Bill Clinton, amidst a growing sex-trafficking scandal in 2015. It seems Epstein mistakenly referred to Lockhart as “Rockhard” in one email.
The files indicate that Lockhart, who served from 1998 to 2000, was introduced to Epstein by Larry Summers, who was once the Treasury secretary under Clinton. Epstein’s email to Summers on January 25, 2015, expressed his desire to speak with Lockhart, although he spelled Lockhart’s last name incorrectly.
During this time, Epstein was facing a public relations crisis due to allegations that Virginia Roberts Giuffre had accused him of running a sex-trafficking operation, which included claims against prominent figures like Prince Andrew.
Epstein felt overwhelmed by the media attention, describing it as “an onslaught” in his communication with Summers, and dismissed it as absurd.
Summers, recognizing Lockhart’s experience with similar crises, recommended him, highlighting Lockhart’s past work with Clinton and David Petraeus, suggesting he could be quite helpful.
On the same day, Summers sent a follow-up email introducing the two, suggesting they connect.
There’s no evidence indicating that Epstein and Lockhart made any formal agreement, but communications show they arranged a phone call shortly thereafter.
Lockhart later clarified that he never worked for Epstein, stating, “Mr. Epstein called me requesting consulting assistance. I declined the offer.” He also mentioned that he did not recognize Summers’ name until recent documents surfaced.
Despite the introductory email from Summers and Epstein’s mention of Lockhart, Lockhart maintained he was unaware of any significant connection. In a response to Epstein’s request for a brief conversation, they scheduled a call for the following day.
In a past interview, Lockhart had insisted that Epstein was not part of Clinton’s circle, even though he had exchanged emails with him four years earlier.
Epstein’s connections to Clinton’s network have raised concerns among those close to the former president. Insiders suggest that Clinton’s aides are attempting to shield Lockhart from renewed scrutiny related to these connections.
Bill and Hillary Clinton recently denied any involvement with or knowledge of Epstein’s actions during Congressional hearings.
After serving in the White House, Lockhart founded the Grover Park Group, a lobbying firm representing major corporations. His current firm, Rational 360, worked with the Saudi Public Investment Fund, among other clients.
Giuffre had previously accused Epstein of abusing her when she was underage, claiming she was manipulated into his world through alleged recruitment by Ghislaine Maxwell, leading to severe exploitation over several years.
Epstein routinely sought advice from prominent figures as he navigated his spiraling public relations issues. Maxwell is now in prison for her involvement in similar crimes.
Recent disclosures about Summers’ ties to Epstein have raised questions about his judgment. The former Treasury secretary faced significant fallout, losing his position at Harvard and consulting roles due to this relationship.
In 2018 and 2019, Summers, seeking personal advice from Epstein, even referred to him as his “wingman,” a move he later regretted, describing it as a major mistake in judgment.
