Story perspectives

Epstein's Rise: From Teacher to Trump's Controversial Associate

12/19/2025

Summary

Story summary

In December 1976, Jeffrey Epstein, a math teacher at the Dalton School, met Ace Greenberg, a Bear Stearns executive, at an art gallery, launching his finance career.
Epstein quickly gained a reputation for exploiting relationships and using Bear Stearns to build a network of contacts.
President Donald Trump distanced himself from Epstein amid ongoing investigations into Epstein's criminal activities, as scrutiny of Epstein's ties to him highlighted a complex relationship.

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Story summary

In December 1976, Jeffrey Epstein, a math teacher at the Dalton School, met Ace Greenberg, a Bear Stearns executive, at an art gallery, launching his finance career.
Epstein quickly gained a reputation for exploiting relationships and using Bear Stearns to build a network of contacts.
President Donald Trump distanced himself from Epstein amid ongoing investigations into Epstein's criminal activities, as scrutiny of Epstein's ties to him highlighted a complex relationship.