Boris Epstein, the lawyer of the newly elected US president in Moscow, has proposed to become a special envoy of Washington in the war in Ukraine and a mediator between Kiev and Russia, The New York Times reports, citing sources familiar with the matter. The newspaper writes that Epstein quickly “became one of the most influential people” during the first transition of power in the White House.
According to the newspaper, Epstein made such a proposal to Trump when the president-elect was flying to Washington for his first post-election meeting with US President Joe Biden.
Epstein was born in Russia in 1981 and lived there as a child. “NYT” notes that the lawyer has no experience in foreign policy. Epstein himself claims, as the newspaper writes, that he has relatives “on both sides of the conflict.”
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“A few people on the plane were surprised.”
According to the New York Times, several people on the plane were “shocked” at the idea of giving Epstein such a sensitive position. The person who was least surprised by this proposal was Trump himself, who – writes “NYT” – listened to it with obvious interest and did not refuse, although he did not commit to anything.
The newspaper notes that Trump has already given Epstein extraordinary powers and has shown more willingness than others to heed his advice, surprising even Elon Musk, who is now close to the president-elect.
Boris Epstein (center, back) has become one of the most influential people in Donald Trump's circle.
“One of the most powerful people” around Trump
The New York newspaper mentions that Epstein previously worked in the communications office during Trump's presidency, but resigned from this position in 2017.
The newspaper writes that although there are people among Trump's relatives who “hate” Epstein, there is no one in the circle of the president-elect who questions the level of influence of the lawyer over Trump. “He quickly became one of the most powerful people in the early stages of the transfer of presidential power, although he has no official position,” writes the NYT, adding that Epstein “became an important gateway for Trump” and what information he influenced. is to share about future members of staff reaching the future host of the White House.
“Courageous act” and amazing nomination
As evidence of the effectiveness of Epstein's behind-the-scenes activities, the New York newspaper shows the situation related to the candidacy of Matt Getz for the position of attorney general.
He writes that in this case, Epstein “performed one of his most daring actions” and allegedly made such a proposal to Trump on the aforementioned flight to Washington to meet with Joe Biden.
In recent years, when Trump has repeatedly appeared in court, Epstein has been responsible for the politician's strategy to approach justice. “He was one of the lawyers who urged Trump to delay the trials as much as possible and move them to the date of the election or even after the election, so as not to affect Trump's ratings politically,” describes “NYT”. This strategy, the paper continued, was “difficult and expensive” and involved “flooding” the justice system with multiple programs that delayed trials.
No matter what title Epstein ultimately takes in the new Trump administration — adviser, counselor, or some other position — “his influence in the government will endure,” the newspaper speculated.
Main photo: JEBIN BOTSFORD/WASHINGTON POST PAUL/EPA/PAP
