President-elect Donald Trump directed his senior advisers to investigate allegations of misconduct by his top legal adviser, Boris Epshteyn, with the investigators concluding that the conduct warranted Epshteyn’s dismissal.
The allegations, raised by Trump allies and individuals close to his transition team, claim that Epshteyn leveraged his proximity to Trump to seek financial compensation, allegedly offering to secure positions in the incoming administration for a price.
An internal investigation, conducted by Trump’s legal team, reportedly uncovered troubling behavior. Sources say the review found that Epshteyn offered access to Trump in exchange for monthly consulting fees.
Led by attorney David Warrington, the review further suggested limiting adviser Boris Epshteyn’s direct access to the president-elect, according to an individual with knowledge of the situation. The source, who requested anonymity, cited the internal nature of the issue.
In response to the allegations, Epshteyn told ABC News, “I am honored to work for President Trump and with his team. These fake claims are false and defamatory and will not distract us from Making America Great Again.”
A sworn declaration from former Missouri Governor Eric Greitens, obtained by ABC News, describes a similar encounter. Greitens stated that after expressing interest in a role in the Trump administration, Epshteyn’s “comments and demeanor suggested that he might entertain offering a position in the administration in exchange for financial consideration.”
The review also reportedly revealed an incident involving Treasury secretary nominee Scott Bessent. After meeting Trump for the first time, Bessent was allegedly approached by Epshteyn, who invited him to lunch and requested a monthly stipend of at least $30,000 to promote Bessent’s candidacy at Mar-a-Lago. Epshteyn also allegedly encouraged Bessent to invest $10 million in a 3-on-3 basketball league, an offer Bessent declined.
Bessent, who did not pay Epshteyn, reportedly believed that doing so would have earned him more favorable treatment. Bessent was unavailable for comment.
Incoming White House communications director Steven Cheung stated, “As is standard practice, a broad review of the campaign’s consulting agreements has been conducted and completed, including as to Boris, among others. We are now moving ahead together as a team to help President Trump Make America Great Again.”
Epshteyn has not been accused of any illegal activity—charging fees for access to high-level officials is standard practice in Washington’s lobbying circles. However, the president-elect has consistently been wary of individuals he perceives as exploiting him for personal benefit.
