Top Trump Aide Accused of Asking for Money to ‘Promote’ Potential Appointees: Report

Boris Epshteyn, middle, is a key consultant to President-elect Donald J. Trump. Image: The New York Times

(The Post News)- President-elect Donald Trump’s legal team discovered proof that a senior adviser requested retainer fees from potential appointees to endorse them for positions in the incoming administration, according to five individuals briefed on the situation on Monday.

Mr. Trump instructed his team to conduct an evaluation of Boris Epshteyn, who oversaw legal strategies in Mr. Trump’s criminal cases and played a significant role in the transition. A number of individuals Mr. Trump relies on informed him that Mr. Epshteyn was trying to receive money from individuals interested in appointments, according to three individuals briefed on the situation.

David Warrington, essentially serving as the Trump campaign’s chief legal advisor, carried out the evaluation in the past few days, with the findings shared with The New York Times. The review stated that Epshteyn had demanded payment from two persons, one of whom was Scott Bessent, Mr. Trump’s choice for Treasury secretary.

As per the report, Mr. Epshteyn discussed with Mr. Bessent in February, when it was common knowledge that he was eyeing the Treasury position, and suggested paying $30,000 to $40,000 monthly to increase Mr. Bessent’s presence at Mar-a-Lago, Mr. Trump’s Florida estate.

Prior to the series of reports, Epshteyn’s significant impact on the transition and his involvement in various positions, without an official role, had unsettled many individuals close to the new president. One of them was Elon Musk, who has constantly been at Mar-a-Lago and was surprised by Epshteyn’s high level of authority.

It is not yet known if the internal investigation will have any effect. Over time, Trump acknowledged Epshteyn for remaining loyal to him despite the disastrous outcome of his previous presidency. Epshteyn faces charges in Arizona for allegedly attempting to reverse the outcome of the 2020 election.

Through time, numerous advisers of Trump have engaged in consultancy agreements with external clients. Trump has sometimes doubted such agreements, wondering if recommended candidates are compensating his advisers or if companies brought to him are financially linked to his aides.

One candidate, Carl Paladino, who ran for Congress in New York, told The Times that he was uncertain about the reason for paying Mr. Epshteyn $20,000 monthly. Trump did not support him in his 2022 campaign.