Newly released Epstein emails describe Trump as “dumb” and speculate on Russia collusion, though the president has denied wrongdoing and was never under investigation.
Disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein described former President Donald Trump as “dumb” in newly released emails exchanged with former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers. The correspondence, from 2016–2017, also touched on allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 election. In one May 2017 email, Summers asked, “How guilty is Donald?” Epstein replied, “your world does not understand how dumb he really is.” Trump has repeatedly denied any collusion.
The emails form part of broader Epstein files, which include previously unpursued indictments alleging sexual exploitation of underage girls. Authorities said some claims are sensationalist or false, emphasizing that Trump was never investigated or accused of crimes. Officials also noted that the Department of Justice warned that the production included unverified materials submitted by the public, not all of which are credible.