President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers investigated close Trump ally Boris Epshteyn over allegations he used his influence for financial gain.
According to six sources speaking with CNN, an internal investigation by Trump lawyers examined accusations that the Trump confidant requested payment in exchange for influencing the president-elect. The investigation was not criminal in nature, but some conducting it allegedly suggested that Epshteyn should be removed from Trump’s orbit.
Epshteyn denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations “defamatory.”
“I am honored to work for President Trump and with his team,” he said in a statement to the outlet. “These fake claims are false and defamatory and will not distract us from Making America Great Again.”
Trump transition spokesman Steven Cheung issued a similar statement, saying that Trump was looking to put the investigation behind him.
“As is standard practice, a broad review of the campaign’s consulting agreements has been conducted and completed, including as to Boris, among others,” he said. “We are now moving ahead together as a team to help President Trump Make America Great Again.”
Others speaking with the outlet said that information was still being collected and interviews still being conducted.
In an interview with Just the News, Trump expressed surprise at the allegations, saying he wasn’t aware of anyone on his staff seeking to exert influence in exchange for financial benefits.
“I suppose every President has people around them who try to make money off them on the outside. It’s a shame but it happens,” he said. “But no one working for me in any capacity should be looking to make money. They should only be here to Make America Great Again.”
“No one can promise any endorsement or nomination except me,” Trump added. “I make these decisions on my own, period.”
Former Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens told the Trump transition team in a sworn statement that he had an uncomfortable conversation with Epshteyn when discussing whether he should apply to become Navy secretary, which he interpreted as an attempt by the adviser to exchange influence on Trump for money.
“Mr. Epshteyn’s overall tone and behavior gave me the impression of an implicit expectation to engage in business dealings with him before he would advocate for or suggest my appointment to the President,” he said. “This created a sense of unease and pressure on my part.”
Greitens elaborated on his remarks to CBS News.
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“It was important to me to protect the president because I was concerned about the ethics of what was happening,” he said. “Very specifically, I was concerned that there was an offer to advance a nomination in return for financial payments.”
Epshteyn has been a staple of Trump’s inner circle since the 2016 election. He was indicted in Arizona in April for activities surrounding the 2020 presidential election.