US Congress Investigates Jeffrey Epstein’s Alleged Role as Foreign Agent for Israel and Other Countries

Democratic members of the US House Judiciary Committee have launched an official investigation into allegations that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein acted as an unregistered foreign agent for Israel and other countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Kuwait. The inquiry, led by Congressman Jamie Raskin, was initiated shortly after Vice President J.D. Vance claimed in a Joe Rogan podcast interview that Epstein had "deep ties to the highest levels of Israeli and American intelligence."

In a formal letter to Attorney General Todd Blanch, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Director of National Intelligence J. Clayton, Raskin demanded all documents related to Epstein’s contacts with foreign governments and called for a criminal investigation. The probe is based on a review of congressional and Justice Department documents suggesting Epstein exploited his close relationship with former President Donald Trump to influence US policy without registering under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). Raskin wrote that Epstein "aggressively acted on behalf of several foreign governments, including some with interests opposed to those of the United States."

The documents detail Epstein’s connections with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, advising him in 2013 on meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, helping draft a New York Times op-ed on Syria, and sharing information about US officials. Epstein also reportedly acted as a behind-the-scenes political advisor to Barak ahead of his 2019 political return, coordinating with Trump’s former advisor Steve Bannon. Additionally, Epstein offered himself as a "financial bodyguard" and strategist to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after the 2016 elections and provided negotiation advice to senior Russian and Kuwaiti officials regarding Trump.

Raskin highlighted the national security risks posed by Epstein, describing him as an unrepentant international sex offender who claimed to hold damaging information on Trump, including allegations of involvement in an international money laundering network linked to a Russian oligarch. The investigation follows Vance’s controversial remarks about Israeli intelligence involvement, which drew criticism from Jewish and Republican figures who condemned the comments as inappropriate and offensive.

Despite the investigation’s initiation, procedural limitations mean that as a minority party member, Raskin lacks the authority to compel testimony or documents without majority approval, making the inquiry largely symbolic and political. The development illustrates how conspiracy theories once confined to fringe groups are entering official congressional discourse amid partisan battles in Washington.