Trump Admin Hit by Bribery Scandal: Top Lawyer Accused of Extracting Payments for Positions, Including Treasury Nominee

The incoming Trump administration is already facing backlash amid allegations of unethical conduct. A top legal adviser to President-elect Donald Trump, Boris Epshteyn, has come under scrutiny after reportedly asking potential administration nominees for monthly consulting fees in exchange for advocating on their behalf to Trump, according to a report prepared by Trump's legal team.

As is standard practice, a broad review of the campaign's consulting agreements has been conducted and completed, including as to Boris, among others, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement. We are now moving ahead together as a team to help President Trump Make America Great Again.

Who Is Boris Epshteyn, and Why Was He Reviewed?

Boris Epshteyn, Trump's close aide since 2016, is at the center of this controversy. Epshteyn, who had been instrumental in coordinating Trump's legal defenses after the 2020 election, was accused of soliciting money from individuals seeking cabinet or administration positions. This prompted Trump to order a legal review after being informed by close associates.

The internal review revealed that Epshteyn allegedly approached several individuals, including Scott Bessent, Trump's pick for Treasury Secretary, asking for payments. According to sources, Epshteyn met with Bessent in February, at which time Bessent expressed interest in the Treasury Secretary role. Epshteyn reportedly requested monthly consulting fees of $30,000–$40,000 in return for promoting Bessent within Trump's inner circle at Mar-a-Lago. Although Bessent declined, he continued to maintain a cordial relationship with Epshteyn to avoid alienating someone perceived as influential within Trump's orbit.

Epshteyn later proposed that Bessent invest $10 million in a three-on-three basketball league, a suggestion Bessent also rejected. Their relationship soured, and tensions escalated. In mid-November, Bessent reportedly confronted Epshteyn over allegations that the lawyer had been badmouthing him to Trump allies. Epshteyn dismissed the accusation, mockingly declaring, It's too late to hire me now. I'm Boris F***ing Epshteyn.

Allegations of Intimidation and Further Misconduct

The legal review also uncovered an incident in which Epshteyn allegedly intimidated Bessent during a face-to-face confrontation at Mar-a-Lago, witnessed by several Trump allies. Witnesses described this behavior as intimidation tactics.

In another instance, Epshteyn approached a former Trump administration official, now a defense contractor, asking for $100,000 per month during the transition period. Epshteyn reportedly told the contractor that he knew exactly who to approach in the Department of Defense to secure favorable business deals.

Epshteyn Responds

I am honored to work for President Trump and with his team, Epshteyn said in a statement. These fake claims are false and defamatory and will not distract us from Making America Great Again.

Epshteyn also has a personal connection to the Trump family. He attended college with Trump's son Eric, who defended his father's zero-tolerance stance on unethical behavior. My father's been incredibly clear. You do not, you do not do that under any circumstance. And, believe me, there will be repercussions if somebody was.

Broader Issues of Influence and Ethics

The allegations against Epshteyn highlight a broader issue within Trump's political circle: the potential for conflicts of interest. Many of Trump's allies and advisers reportedly advocate for individuals or groups while failing to disclose financial relationships.

The review described a pattern of behavior in which advisers close to Trump sought to profit by charging fees to those seeking access to the president-elect. While Epshteyn has little political experience outside his work for Trump, Republican candidates at the state and local levels have paid him consulting fees since 2021.

Since the November election, Epshteyn has reportedly spent hours each day at Mar-a-Lago, offering recommendations for cabinet appointments. These actions have drawn criticism from other Trump allies, some of whom believe Epshteyn has overstepped his role. For example, he reportedly proposed appointing Congressman Matt Gaetz as Attorney General, a suggestion that angered others in Trump's inner circle.

Tensions with Elon Musk

Even Elon Musk, one of Trump's prominent supporters and donors, has allegedly clashed with Epshteyn. Musk reportedly criticized Epshteyn's influence over cabinet appointments and accused him of leaking sensitive information to the media. Epshteyn denied the accusations, but their public disagreement underscores the growing unease within Trump's team regarding Epshteyn's conduct.

Trump's Response

Trump has publicly condemned any attempts to profit from association with his administration. I suppose every President has people around them who try to make money off them on the outside. It's a shame but it happens, Trump said. But no one working for me in any capacity should be looking to make money. They should only be here to Make America Great Again.

This scandal underscores the challenges Trump faces in managing his team's ethics and ensuring that his administration avoids appearances of impropriety as it prepares to assume office.