Epstein claimed Trump insider role to advise Ambani

ISLAMABAD:

Convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein presented himself as a well-connected insider in the Trump White House to Indian businessman Anil Ambani, who sought guidance on navigating India-US defense cooperation and national security strategy in 2017, according to a New York Times report.

Ambani, facing financial troubles later, eagerly reached out to Epstein for "inside baseball" on dealing with the White House for India's relationship and defense matters. The exchanges, revealed in Justice Department-released messages, show Epstein sharing information on Trump administration appointments and foreign policy.

In March 2017, Ambani inquired whether David Petraeus would be appointed as US ambassador to India. Epstein responded that he would ask and later informed Ambani that Petraeus was not on the "front burner." The position ultimately went to Kenneth I. Juster in November 2017. In July 2017, Epstein told Ambani that John Bolton would replace Lt Gen HR McMaster as national security adviser, stating McMaster "was not long for the position" and Bolton was "next." Bolton indeed took over eight months later.

Epstein offered to introduce Ambani to figures close to President Trump, including Stephen K. Bannon and Thomas J. Barrack Jr., chairman of Trump's inaugural committee. Ambani, in turn, presented himself as politically connected to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government and once mentioned that "leadership" had asked for Epstein's help in arranging meetings with Jared Kushner and Bannon.

The messages also reveal Epstein advising Ambani on leveraging closer India-Israel ties to improve relations with the Trump administration.

Epstein noted that discussions on Israel strategy were dominating Modi's schedule. This coincided with Modi's historic visit to Israel soon after meeting Trump and India's major arms purchases from Israel worth roughly $2 billion that year. Ambani, the younger brother of India's richest man Mukesh Ambani, saw his net worth drop sharply from an estimated $45 billion in 2007 to $1.7 billion in 2019 amid business struggles.

He continued communicating with Epstein in 2019, who offered sympathy and advice as a "friend" without seeking payment. The two met in New York on May 23, 2019, the day of India's general election results. Sprinkled among discussions of politics and finance were references to "dessert" and "fun," though the messages provide limited context.