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🇬🇧 United Kingdom /Crime & Justice

Trump appointee leading $205bn US agency had personal ties to Epstein, emails show

From The Guardian · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Documents & data Context piece
  • Ben Black, head of the U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC), had personal and business ties with Jeffrey Epstein, according to released emails and filings.
  • Black's father, Leon Black, was a high-paying client of Epstein's for tax advice and managing payments to women.
  • The DFC, a Trump administration agency, has an expanded lending cap of $205 billion, increasing Black's influence over taxpayer funds.

Ben Black, who leads a U.S. government investment agency funded by billions in taxpayer money, maintained personal and business connections with the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, according to emails and business filings obtained by the Department of Justice.

Black's father, Leon Black, was identified as Epstein's highest-paying client. Epstein provided him with tax advice and arranged payments to women on his behalf. A review of Epstein's private correspondence revealed that Ben Black invested in the same company as Epstein in 2011. Their relationship reportedly spanned several years, with Epstein mentioning attending Ben Black's 30th birthday and advising him on purchasing a $11.5 million townhouse. A woman also told Epstein she and Black had kissed after Epstein helped her compose messages to him.

Currently, Ben Black holds a Senate-confirmed position overseeing the Development Finance Corporation (DFC). This agency, established by the Trump administration, is the largest overseas investment arm. Congress recently authorized the DFC to invest in high-income countries and tripled its lending capacity to $205 billion, significantly broadening Black's authority over public funds.

Ben Black has not been accused of any wrongdoing related to Epstein or any other matter. The DFC did not respond to requests for comment. Lawyers for Leon Black addressed inquiries on behalf of both Leon and Ben Black. A White House spokesperson defended the Blacks' suitability for their roles. However, a personal spokesperson for Ben Black stated, "Ben Black had no personal or professional relationship with Jeffrey Epstein."

Donald Trump has appointed at least three other individuals with known ties to Epstein to federal office. Howard Lutnick, the secretary of commerce, testified before a House oversight probe after admitting to traveling to Epstein's private island. Lutnick, who has never been accused of wrongdoing, sits on the DFC's board of directors alongside Ben Black. The full extent of Ben Black's personal connection to Epstein had not been previously reported.

Ben Black had no personal or professional relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

— Ben Black's personal spokespersonA spokesperson for Ben Black denied any personal or professional relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
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Originally published by The Guardian. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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