On February 14, 2026, CBS News published an analysis of newly released U.S. Justice Department documents showing that Thomas “Tom” Barrack, a longtime confidant of former President Donald Trump who currently serves as U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria, maintained regular contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein for years after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor. The reporting, based on more than 100 texts and email exchanges, places Barrack among a circle of wealthy and influential figures who continued social and professional interactions with Epstein even after his criminal history became widely known. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
The correspondence detailed invitations to private residences, introductions to diplomats and investors, and discussions of potential business opportunities, with Epstein at times encouraging Barrack to move communications to encrypted messaging apps. While some messages suggest Epstein viewed Barrack as a possible link to Trump, available records do not show any communication passing directly between Epstein and Trump through Barrack. There is also no indication that Barrack had knowledge of or participated in Epstein’s criminal conduct. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Barrack rose to prominence as a major fundraiser for Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, later leading Trump’s inaugural committee and becoming a frequent presence in the White House. Before his diplomatic posting, he faced scrutiny and legal trouble for alleged foreign lobbying tied to the United Arab Emirates but was acquitted in 2022. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
CBS News noted that despite the extensive communications, the Justice Department documents do not suggest wrongdoing by Barrack nor prove that messages were used to convey information to Trump. Trump has previously denied continuing ties to Epstein and stated that he cut off contact with Epstein years before Epstein’s 2019 arrest and death. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
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