Staff Reports
Donald Trump’s transition team is getting an unexpected dose of drama that rivals prime-time television. Boris Epshteyn, a prominent figure in Trump’s camp, finds himself facing accusations of corruption that sound more like a script than real life. Reports suggest that Epshteyn tried a little too hard to cash in on his connections, seeking financial favors from potential appointees to the incoming administration.
According to insiders, Epshteyn allegedly attempted to solicit between $30,000 and $40,000 a month from potential Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to “promote” him in Trump’s eyes. It’s reminiscent of a bad mob movie where the character demands protection money but lacks the dramatic flair to pull it off. Bessent, however, decided to play it straight and turned down Epshteyn’s offer, branding it nothing short of a shakedown. Turns out, not everyone is eager to grease the wheels with cash—who would have thought?
Reports: Trump team finds top adviser Boris Epshteyn engaged in pay-for-play schemehttps://t.co/H7oBFviV0u pic.twitter.com/R6WQ2sTgLT
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) November 26, 2024
In a classic case of things going from bad to ugly, Epshteyn reportedly confronted Bessent at Mar-A-Lago, huffing about his status while possibly channeling his inner Al Pacino. It seems he wanted to ensure Bessent understood just how influential he believed himself to be. The whole exchange was witnessed by multiple aides, who likely took notes for future gossip sessions. It looks more like a reality show gone wrong than a professional political transition.
And the plot thickens. Epshteyn was also said to be seeking a hefty $100,000 a month from another potential appointee—this time a defense contractor, likely leading to more than just raised eyebrows within Trump’s circle. The contractor, fearing backlash, opted not to hire Epshteyn. The review of these incidents wasn’t all fun and games; it reportedly concluded that Epshteyn’s association with Trump should be nipped in the bud—turns out even the Trump brand has its limits.
While Epshteyn’s denials come across as a classic “I’m innocent” plea, Eric Trump did make it clear that this kind of behavior is a non-starter in their world. Eric reiterated that pay-for-play schemes have no place in the Trump administration—his father’s demand for integrity leaves little room for such antics. The review triggered by Trump himself is meant to protect the integrity of his future administration and weed out any shady dealings, proving that even in the often chaotic world of politics, some lines shouldn’t be crossed.
In all the chaos, one thing stands clear: whoever thought the transition would be smooth sailing clearly underestimated the Trump circus. With insiders rolling their eyes and relationships dangling by a thread, Epshteyn’s fate may turn out to be more precarious than his own lobbying for influence. If anything, this episode reinforces that politics can always take a turn for the absurd.
