Barely three weeks since Donald Trump’s election victory, the specter of internal rivalries that defined his first presidency has resurfaced, with Boris Epshteyn, a longtime Trump confidant and top adviser, finding himself at the center of a firestorm. According to sources close to the transition team, Epshteyn stands accused of soliciting monthly consulting fees from potential administration nominees in exchange for lobbying the president-elect on their behalf – allegations that have sparked a power struggle within Trump’s inner circle.
Epshteyn’s Alleged Pay-to-Play Scheme
The controversy came to light following an internal review conducted by David Warrington, the Trump 2024 campaign’s general counsel. The review reportedly found that Epshteyn had unsuccessfully sought tens of thousands of dollars from prospective nominees, including Scott Bessent, Trump’s pick for Treasury secretary.
Sources revealed that just a day after Trump’s first meeting with Bessent in February, Epshteyn invited the potential Treasury chief to lunch at a Palm Beach hotel, where he requested a monthly retainer of at least $30,000 to promote Bessent’s name at Mar-a-Lago should Trump win the election. Bessent declined the offer and later confided to associates that Epshteyn had attempted to “shake him down.”
The internal review also uncovered another instance in which Epshteyn asked Bessent to invest $10 million in a three-on-three basketball league. While Bessent turned down the offer, he reportedly told associates that Epshteyn would likely provide him with better access had he accepted.
Calls for Termination and Counterattacks
In light of these findings, Warrington’s review concluded that Epshteyn’s employment and access to Trump should be terminated. However, as of Monday evening, Epshteyn remained part of the president-elect’s inner circle, buoyed by the news that special counsel prosecutors had moved to dismiss two federal criminal cases against Trump – a victory the former president credited to Epshteyn’s efforts.
Epshteyn’s allies have dismissed the review as an attempt by Warrington to undermine his rival after Epshteyn successfully pushed for Bill McGinley to become White House counsel over Warrington. They have also portrayed the review as a political hit job, capitalizing on Epshteyn’s role in advocating for former congressman Matt Gaetz’s nomination as attorney general, which ultimately sank due to sexual misconduct allegations against Gaetz.
Trump’s Steadfast Support and Inner Circle Dynamics
Despite the controversy, Epshteyn has denied the allegations, stating, “These fake claims are false and defamatory and will not distract us from making America great again.” Trump’s incoming White House chief of staff, Susie Wiles, has also reportedly frowned upon the ouster attempt, viewing it as an unwelcome distraction detrimental to the president-elect’s agenda.
Epshteyn’s enduring influence with Trump has surprised many newcomers to the former president’s orbit. Both Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson have privately expressed bewilderment at the level of trust Trump places in Epshteyn.
According to multiple aides and associates, Trump’s trust in Epshteyn over the past two years stems from his perception that Epshteyn played a crucial role in helping him navigate legal challenges during the 2024 campaign. Epshteyn assembled and oversaw Trump’s legal team during criminal investigations and multiple cases, even when the former president struggled to find capable representation.
“Boris was always right,” Trump is said to have remarked about Epshteyn’s legal strategy.
The Road Ahead
As the dust settles on this latest power struggle, the extent of Epshteyn’s influence remains uncertain. While some Trump advisers speculate that the allegations may have weakened his standing, others suggest that the controversy could paradoxically strengthen his position, given Trump’s aversion to perceived pile-ons reminiscent of his own legal battles.
As the Trump team navigates the treacherous waters of transition politics, one thing remains clear: the knife-fight culture that defined the first Trump presidency shows no signs of abating. With competing factions vying for influence and the president-elect’s ear, the coming weeks and months are likely to be marked by further power plays and internal rivalries as Trump seeks to cement his legacy and shape the future of the Republican Party.
