Full Breakdown
Deb Haaland's Controversial Flight on Epstein-Linked Jet
3/6/2026, 6:17:01 AM
Core Event: Haaland's Connection to Epstein's Jet
Deb Haaland, the Democratic frontrunner in the New Mexico gubernatorial race, has come under scrutiny for flying on a private jet linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein in 2014. Newly released emails indicate that Haaland was a passenger on a chartered plane arranged by Gary King, who was then a gubernatorial candidate. The flight was intended for a meeting in Washington, D.C., while Haaland was campaigning for the position of lieutenant governor.
Background & Context: Epstein's Legacy
Jeffrey Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges, was a convicted sex offender with a history of soliciting prostitution from minors. His connections to various public figures have drawn significant media attention, particularly regarding his properties and business dealings in New Mexico, including the Zorro Ranch, which was sold to him by former New Mexico Governor Bruce King in 1993.
Key Figures Involved
- Deb Haaland: Former Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior and current candidate for governor of New Mexico.
- Gary King: Former New Mexico gubernatorial candidate who chartered the jet and has a familial connection to Epstein through the sale of Zorro Ranch.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the revelations, Haaland's campaign spokesperson, Hannah Menchhoff, stated that Haaland had no knowledge of the jet's ties to Epstein and emphasized her support for investigations into Epstein's activities. Haaland described Epstein as a "despicable predator" and asserted that she never interacted with him.
Gary King also addressed the situation, clarifying that his campaign organization chartered the plane and that he would have opted for a different company had he known of its connection to Epstein. He acknowledged a brief meeting with Epstein in 2010 but insisted that their discussions were limited to personal matters related to their families.
Criticism & Opposition
The controversy surrounding Haaland's flight has drawn criticism from political opponents, who argue that her association with Epstein, even indirectly, raises questions about her judgment. Critics have pointed to the broader implications of her candidacy, suggesting that such connections could undermine her campaign's integrity.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Haaland's campaign maintains that she was unaware of the jet's ownership, Gary King has stated that he would have chosen a different charter service had he known. This raises questions about the communication and transparency surrounding the chartering process. Additionally, there is a lack of clarity regarding the extent of King's prior interactions with Epstein, as he has acknowledged only one meeting.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Deb never had any interaction with him and the way in which the plane was chartered was never communicated to her,” — Hannah Menchhoff, Campaign Spokesperson
- “If I had known in advance that the jet ‘belonged’ to Mr. Epstein, I would have asked my campaign to contract with a different company.” — Gary King, Former Gubernatorial Candidate
As the New Mexico gubernatorial race progresses, the implications of this incident on Haaland's campaign remain to be seen, particularly as investigations into Epstein's activities in the state continue.
