Senator Elizabeth Warren has asked Fed nominee Kevin Warsh to disclose any interactions with Jeffrey Epstein after Warsh’s name appeared in government-released documents tied to a 2010 St. Barthélemy event. Warren gave Warsh until March 31 to answer eight detailed questions, including whether Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell or Donald Trump attended any gatherings. The request adds scrutiny to Warsh’s nomination, which is already clouded by a separate criminal probe into the Fed and Chair Jerome Powell.
Warren Presses Fed Nominee Kevin Warsh To Clarify Any Ties To Jeffrey Epstein Ahead Of Confirmation
U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren answers a question during a "Meet and Greet" with voters in Newburyport, Massachusetts, U.S., August 24, 2021. REUTERS/Brian Snyder
March 19 (Reuters) - Senator Elizabeth Warren, the top Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee, has demanded that Kevin Warsh, President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Federal Reserve, explain any interactions or relationships he may have had with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Why Warren Asked For Answers
Warren sent a letter to Warsh on Wednesday evening after Warsh’s name appeared in government documents released earlier this year that relate to Epstein. The senator highlighted a 2010 email exchange among Epstein staff about a holiday party on the Caribbean island of St. Barthélemy that referenced Warsh’s name.
“It is unclear whether and to what extent you interacted with Mr. Epstein in association with the invitation referenced in this email exchange,” Warren wrote, adding that it is essential for Congress and the public to understand the extent of any interactions as the Senate considers Warsh’s nomination.
Specific Questions And Deadline
Warren, the ranking Democrat on the Banking Committee, asked Warsh to respond by March 31 to eight detailed questions. Among other items, she asked him to confirm whether he traveled to St. Barthélemy in late 2010 or early 2011, whether he attended social events where Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell were present, and whether former President Donald Trump attended any of the gatherings referenced in the files.
She also requested copies of any communications between Warsh and people directly connected to Epstein and asked him to disclose any other interactions with Epstein or Maxwell not reflected in the released records.
Nomination Timeline And Related Investigations
Warsh, a former Federal Reserve governor whose marriage ties him to the Lauder family fortune, was nominated by Trump to replace current Fed Chair Jerome Powell when Powell’s term ends in May. Warsh did not immediately respond to requests for comment about Warren’s letter.
The confirmation timetable is uncertain: Republican Senator Thom Tillis has said he will block Warsh’s confirmation until a separate criminal investigation into the Federal Reserve and Chair Powell is resolved. Powell said on Wednesday he would remain Fed chair until a successor is confirmed and would not leave the central bank while the Justice Department investigates him.
(Reporting by Michael S. Derby; Editing by Dan Burns and Diane Craft)
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