Front Burner Epstein’s orbit: will justice come?
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Feb 4, 2026 Kyle Cheney, Politico senior legal affairs reporter who covers high-profile investigations, walks through the DOJ’s 3 million Epstein files. He outlines links to powerful figures, details prolific communications like those with Steve Bannon, and explores Epstein’s role as a broker among elites. The conversation also covers released sensitive material, questions about prosecutorial review, and what accountability might look like.
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Epstein's Network Raises Persistent Questions
- Jeffrey Epstein's name appears repeatedly because he cultivated relationships to influence powerful people, not just because of casual mentions.
- Kyle Cheney notes these connections raised persistent questions about what others knew of Epstein's trafficking.
Lutnick Contacted Epstein; Musk Declined
- Kyle Cheney recounts Howard Lutnick's repeated contacts with Epstein after 2005, despite earlier downplaying their ties.
- Cheney contrasts that with Elon Musk, who repeatedly declined Epstein's invitations and kept him at arm's length.
Bannon-Epstein Relationship Was Deep
- The newly released messages show Steve Bannon and Epstein had a deep, prolific friendship beyond mere acquaintanceship.
- Cheney describes inside jokes and messaging help that suggest mutual utility across politics and finance.
