Rep. Jamie Raskin Initiates Congressional Probe into Jeffrey Epstein’s Alleged Foreign Lobbying

In early July 2026, Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton requesting all records of Jeffrey Epstein’s contacts with foreign governments and asking whether the Justice Department ever opened a FARA investigation. Raskin asserted that “substantial evidence” shows Epstein acted on behalf of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Russia and Israel without registering as a foreign agent, creating a “major national security liability.”

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Epstein, a convicted sex-offender who died in custody in 2019, has been linked to high-level political figures. Leaked emails reveal that he:

Daily Beast

• Offered to serve as a “financial confidant” to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after the 2016 election.

Common Dreams

• Advised Kuwaiti officials on communicating with President Donald Trump during a 2017 Gulf summit.

Common Dreams

• Facilitated a back-channel between former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and the Russian government, including preparation for a 2013 meeting with President Vladimir Putin.

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These interactions, documented in emails obtained by congressional committees and the Justice Department, prompted Raskin’s inquiry.

CNN

• The Justice Department reportedly retains roughly 2.5 million undisclosed documents related to Epstein.

Daily Beast

• Raskin’s request lists twenty-four foreign entities, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Russia, Israel, Qatar, India, Norway, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, South Africa and others.

Common Dreams

• No public FARA registration for Epstein has been found.

Daily Beast

The Justice Department confirmed receipt of the letter and said it is reviewing the request; no substantive response has been provided. The State Department and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence have not commented publicly.

Daily Beast

Former Attorney General Pam Bondi denied any knowledge that Epstein acted as a spy or foreign agent. Republican Representative Randy Fine criticized Vice President JD Vance’s remarks linking Epstein to Israeli intelligence, calling them “completely inappropriate and truly disgusting.” Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro also rejected Vance’s claims, highlighting partisan disagreement over the narrative.

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• The allegations rely on leaked emails and unreleased DOJ files; no independent verification of Epstein’s formal role for any foreign government has been presented.

The Hill

• The Justice Department has not disclosed whether it ever investigated Epstein under FARA, leaving a key factual gap.

Daily Beast

• While Raskin cites “substantial evidence,” the term reflects his assessment of the documents, not a judicial finding.

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• “Our examination of available evidence has already revealed damning indications of Mr. Epstein’s activities on behalf of foreign states,” — Rep. Jamie Raskin

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• “By advocating and facilitating on behalf of foreign countries without filing the mandatory disclosures, Mr.” — Rep. Jamie Raskin

Daily Beast

• “Jeffrey Epstein never registered as a foreign agent,” — Rep. Jamie Raskin

Common Dreams