Wexner Breaks Silence on Trump-Epstein Connection
In a closed-door session with congressional investigators yesterday, Les Wexner, the 86-year-old founder of Victoria's Secret and former Limited Inc. empire, offered unprecedented details about the relationship between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein during his much-anticipated deposition.
The testimony marks the first time Wexner has spoken publicly about the connections between Trump and his former financial advisor Epstein since the convicted pedophile's death in 2019. Sources familiar with the proceedings indicate that Wexner provided a classification of their relationship that could have significant implications for ongoing investigations.
Background of Key Players
Wexner, with a net worth exceeding $4.7 billion, employed Epstein as his financial manager for over two decades, from the 1980s until 2007. During this period, Epstein managed virtually all of Wexner's financial affairs and held power of attorney over his assets. The relationship soured after Epstein's 2008 conviction on charges involving minors.
Trump and Epstein's social circles overlapped significantly in New York and Palm Beach during the 1990s and early 2000s. Court documents and social media posts have documented their attendance at various high-profile events together, though Trump has consistently downplayed their relationship since Epstein's legal troubles became public.
Congressional Investigation Intensifies
The deposition comes as part of an ongoing congressional investigation into Epstein's network of connections among powerful figures in business and politics. Committee sources suggest that Wexner's testimony could provide crucial context for understanding the broader scope of Epstein's influence operations.
"Mr. Wexner's unique position as someone who worked closely with Epstein for decades makes his perspective invaluable," said a congressional aide who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the investigation. "His insights into Epstein's methods and connections could illuminate patterns we haven't previously understood."
Timing and Political Implications
The revelation comes at a politically sensitive time, with Trump currently leading Republican primary polls for the 2024 presidential race. Any new information about his past associations with Epstein could potentially impact his campaign, particularly among suburban voters who have expressed concerns about character issues.
Trump's campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment about Wexner's testimony. In previous statements, Trump has described his relationship with Epstein as limited and has claimed he banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago after learning of inappropriate behavior toward young women.
Wexner's Previous Statements
In 2019, Wexner told employees in a letter that Epstein had "misappropriated vast sums of money" from him and that he was "NEVER aware of the illegal activity charged in the indictment." The billionaire has largely avoided public discussion of his relationship with Epstein since then.
Legal experts suggest that Wexner's current cooperation with congressional investigators may be part of an effort to distance himself further from the Epstein scandal and provide clarity about his own involvement in the financier's operations.
What's Next
Congressional staff are expected to review Wexner's testimony before determining next steps in their investigation. Additional depositions from other figures in Epstein's orbit are reportedly being scheduled for the coming weeks.
The full implications of Wexner's revelations may not become clear until congressional investigators release their findings, which could come as early as next quarter according to sources familiar with the timeline.
