William Burns, the director of the CIA since 2021, met with financier Jeffrey Epstein at least once after Epstein was convicted of sex crimes in Florida, the agency has confirmed.
Burns, an appointee of President Joe Biden, was introduced to Epstein by a mutual friend in Washington, a CIA spokesperson told news outlets. At the time, Burns was deputy secretary of state during the Obama administration.
Burns also met with Epstein “once briefly in New York City, about a decade ago as the director was preparing to leave government service,” the spokesperson said.
Burns has stated that he didn’t know much about Epstein, who had pleaded guilty to procuring a minor for prostitution in 2008.
“The director did not know anything about him, other than he was introduced as an expert in the financial services sector and offered general advice on transition to the private sector,” CIA spokeswoman Tammy Kupperman Thorp told The Wall Street Journal. “The director does not recall any further contact, including receiving a ride to the airport. They had no relationship.”
Newly reviewed documents, including Epstein’s schedules, listed meetings with Burns and other notable Americans, the outlet reported on April 30.
An infamous black book—posted online years ago and filled with names and contact information—and flight logs linked Epstein to dozens of famous people, with some, such as Microsoft founder Bill Gates and former President Bill Clinton, acknowledging they spent time with the accused sex trafficker. But the newly reviewed documents included scheduled meetings with people who weren’t listed in the black book.
That includes Bard College President Leon Botstein, Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Noam Chomsky, and Kathryn Ruemmler, who was a White House lawyer during the Obama administration, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Most of the people told reporters they met Epstein because of his wealth and connections.
Epstein’s Past
Epstein was required to register as a convicted sex offender after pleading guilty in 2008. He had been accused of sexually abusing and raping multiple underage girls.
By Zachary Stieber
