Files Show Jeffrey Epstein Messaged William J. Burns; Two Meetings Took Place After 2008 Conviction

Newly released documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein show multiple communications with William J. Burns, a career diplomat who later became director of the Central Intelligence Agency. The records include emails and text messages that arranged meetings and encouraged introductions between Burns and others in Epstein's network. All interactions in the files occurred after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea on prostitution‑related charges in Florida, including solicitation of prostitution involving a minor.

Key Exchanges and Meetings

The earliest reference to Burns in the disclosed files is an April 2013 email from Epstein to associate Terje Rød‑Larsen proposing a meeting: "lets set a meeimg [sic] with Bill burns in wash or ny." That message contained no context or subject line. Rød‑Larsen later resigned from the International Peace Institute amid questions about donations and a personal loan connected to Epstein.

Most of the substantive activity occurred in 2014. On 21 August 2014 Burns met Epstein for lunch at the Washington, D.C., law offices of Steptoe, according to Epstein's calendar and reporting by The Wall Street Journal. The calendar also shows Epstein visited the U.S. Treasury that morning; the files do not explain why.

Subsequent text exchanges show Burns and Epstein tried to arrange additional meetings in New York. A meeting that was tentatively scheduled for 13 September 2014 was canceled because Burns had to travel overseas. Burns and Epstein did meet again on 24 September 2014, and the last message from Burns in the disclosed files — a brief follow‑up email — came two days later, on 26 September.

Responses From Burns's Office

A spokesperson for Burns told The Guardian that he had "no relationship" with Epstein and that Burns "did not know anything about him, other than that he was introduced as an expert in the financial services sector." The spokesperson added that Burns "deeply regrets ever meeting with him." Burns was not accused of any criminal wrongdoing related to Epstein's crimes.

According to Burns's office, Burns learned of Epstein's 2008 Florida conviction soon after the September 2014 meeting and then cut off contact. The files also show Epstein repeatedly suggested that other prominent figures meet Burns — including Peter Thiel, Reid Hoffman, Tom Pritzker and, in 2018, Steve Bannon — though Burns's office says those introductions did not occur.

Context And Timeline

April 2013: First mention of Bill Burns in Epstein's files (email to Terje Rød‑Larsen).

21 August 2014: Burns met Epstein for lunch at Steptoe in Washington, D.C.

13 September 2014: Tentative meeting planned and canceled due to Burns's travel.

24 September 2014: Burns and Epstein met again in New York (per disclosed texts and calendar entries).

26 September 2014: Burns's final message in the released files; he provided an email address and wrote he "enjoyed seeing you earlier this week."

27 March 2018: Epstein suggests to Steve Bannon that he meet Bill Burns; Burns's office says that meeting did not happen.

What The Files Do — And Don't — Show

The released records document introductions, scheduling attempts and two confirmed in‑person meetings. They do not show evidence that Burns participated in or was aware of Epstein's criminal conduct prior to the September 2014 meeting, and Burns has not been accused of involvement in Epstein's crimes. His office maintains the relationship, such as it was, was limited and was severed once Burns became aware of Epstein's conviction.

These disclosures have drawn attention because Burns later became CIA director and because Epstein used his network to propose meetings with a range of influential figures. The documents add detail about how Epstein sought to connect his contacts, but they do not alter the public record regarding criminal accusations, which remain centered on Epstein himself and those directly implicated in his offenses.