Epstein files end business, political careers across globe
By April Rubin
Transparency Analysis
Primary Narrative
The release of Epstein files by the Justice Department has triggered resignations and investigations of prominent political, business, and entertainment figures across multiple countries.
⚠ Conflicts of Interest
Article covers Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick facing resignation calls, but Lutnick is Trump appointee; framing of consequences may reflect partisan dynamics
Evidence: Lutnick mentioned without context of his political affiliation or Trump administration role
Peter Mandelson coverage includes 'House Oversight Democrats' investigation, potentially reflecting partisan investigation dynamics
Evidence: Quote: 'House Oversight Democrats have asked Mandelson to answer questions'
Who Benefits?
Justice Department
Positioned as enforcer of accountability through file release; gains credibility and public support for transparency action
Competing business figures
Removal of rivals from positions of power and influence creates advancement opportunities
Framing Analysis
Perspective
Law enforcement/accountability perspective; focuses on consequences for the accused rather than victims or broader systemic issues
Tone
Language Choices
- 'Disgraced financier' - loaded descriptor establishing moral judgment
- 'Effectively ended the careers' - suggests finality and justice achieved
- 'New names — and new recriminations — coming to light every day' - creates sense of ongoing revelation and urgency
- 'Downplaying his sex crimes' - strong moral language regarding Ruemmler's actions
Omitted Perspectives
- Victim impact or victim advocacy perspective largely absent
- Systemic failures that enabled Epstein's crimes not examined
- Defense perspectives appropriately omitted given criminal nature of underlying conduct
Entity Relationships
Ruemmler served as White House counsel to former President Obama | Evidence: Ruemmler had served as White House counsel to former President Obama
Attia served as chief science officer of David Protein before stepping down | Evidence: Peter Attia, a longevity influencer, stepped down as chief science officer of David Protein
Attia was listed as adviser at Eight Sleep before removal | Evidence: is no longer listed as an adviser at Eight Sleep
Factual Core
The Justice Department released Epstein files in late January 2026 revealing connections between the deceased financier and prominent global figures, resulting in multiple resignations and investigations across political, business, and entertainment sectors in the U.S., Europe, and Middle East.
Full Article
The latest round of the Epstein files has effectively ended the careers of some of the world's most powerful figures, from captains of industry to prominent attorneys. Why it matters: The revelations aren't stopping, with new names — and new recriminations — coming to light every day. Driving the news: The Justice Department released its final tranche of Epstein files in late January, revealing connections between the disgraced financier and some of the world's most powerful political and business figures. Read more about those facing consequences: U.S. Brad Karp, chairman of top corporate law firm Paul, Weiss for 18 years, resigned after his emails with Epstein were revealed in the files. "Recent reporting has created a distraction and has placed a focus on me that is not in the best interests of the firm," Karp said in a statement. Paul, Weiss under Karp was the first law firm to strike a deal offering pro bono work after President Trump targeted attorneys representing his political foes. Kathy Ruemmler, top counsel at Goldman Sachs, resigned after her emails with Epstein surfaced, showing their close relationship and her downplaying his sex crimes, per AP. Ruemmler had served as White House counsel to former President Obama. Previously, she tried to distance herself from the correspondence. Casey Wasserman, a high-profile Hollywood talent agent who chairs the LA28 Olympic committee, said he would sell his agency after his Epstein ties were disclosed. High profile clients including pop star Chappell Roan and soccer player Abby Wambach left the agency following the revelations. He also faces pressure to step down as Olympics chair, but the LA28 executive committee has stood by him. Peter Attia, a longevity influencer, stepped down as chief science officer of David Protein and is no longer listed as an adviser at Eight Sleep. However, CBS News appears to be keeping Attia as a contributor, multiple outlets reported. Steve Tisch, chairman and co-owner of the New York Giants, is being investigated by the NFL, commissioner Roger Goodell said earlier this month. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick faces bipartisan calls to resign after the Epstein files revealed a closer relationship than previously indicated. Europe Peter Mandelson, the former British ambassador to the U.S. who also resigned from the House of Lords, is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police in London. House Oversight Democrats have asked Mandelson to answer questions as part of their Epstein probe. His name appeared thousands of times in the files. In September, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer dismissed Mandelson because over his Epstein ties. Morgan McSweeney, who said he advised Starmer to appoint Mandelson, resigned as the prime minister's chief of staff this month. Thorbjørn Jagland, Norway's former prime minister, was charged with aggravated corruption following a police probe into his Epstein ties. He has denied wrongdoing. Norwegian police are investigating whether Jagland received gifts, travel and loans due to his position. Jack Lang, a French politician and former culture minister, resigned from the Arab World Institute in Paris due to his association with Epstein. Lang's financial ties to Epstein prompted an investigation into possible tax fraud. Middle East Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem in Dubai was replaced as chairman and CEO of logistics company DP World. "I loved the torture video," Epstein wrote to bin Sulayem in a 2019 email. The recipient's name was previously redacted. Go deeper: What Jamie Raskin saw in the unredacted Epstein files