Few figures in modern history have caused as much legal, political, financial, and reputational upheaval as Jeffrey Epstein. A convicted sex offender, Epstein was connected to many of the world’s wealthy and powerful individuals and institutions. He died in prison in 2019.
The public’s interest in Epstein grew after President Trump initially declined to release federal investigative documents despite prior promises. Late 2025 and early 2026 saw the release of millions of pages of documents by Congress and the Justice Department. These have answered some questions but many mysteries remain unsolved.
The New York Times has been investigating Epstein’s finances, enablers, and possible co-conspirators since his 2019 arrest on federal sex-trafficking charges. Here is the latest information based on ongoing reporting.
Recent Developments
New revelations about Epstein include:
- An elite Harvard club faced pressure to cut ties with its billionaire chair, Andrew Farkas, due to his friendship with Epstein. Farkas, a Harvard alumnus and donor, has chaired the Hasty Pudding Institute of 1770 since 2012. The Justice Department files highlight his long-standing friendship with Epstein.
- Some students, faculty, and alumni have started petitions urging the institute and the university to sever ties with Farkas and rename the building currently bearing his late father’s name.