(Crankers) Journalist and author Michael Wolff is facing scrutiny after the release of email correspondence and other materials revealing a closer-than-previously-publicized relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
According to newly released emails from Epstein’s estate, including ones from the period 2015-2019, Wolff offered strategic advice to Epstein, such as how to handle media appearances involving Donald Trump.
In a December 2015 email to Epstein, Wolff wrote, “There’s an opportunity to come forward this week and talk about Trump, that could garner you great sympathy and help finish him.” Epstein responded indicating interest in how to manipulate the Trump narrative to his own advantage.
These communications have raised ethical questions about Wolff’s role—specifically, whether he crossed from journalist into adviser.
Commentators say that the correspondence suggests Wolff may have acted as a de-facto media strategist for Epstein, who sought to rehabilitate his public image.
Wolff has acknowledged correspondence with Epstein but said his goal was to gain his trust as a source. He denied acting as a paid adviser, yet the nature of the interactions has drawn criticism within journalistic circles about maintaining professional boundaries with subjects.
Because the emails were part of a broader congressional release of Epstein-estate materials, the revelations are partly tied to the investigation into Epstein’s network and associations with powerful figures.
Wolff’s involvement adds a media-ethics layer to what has so far been considered primarily a criminal/trafficking investigation.
The evidence shows Michael Wolff engaged in strategic exchanges with Jeffrey Epstein, offering media-related suggestions in emails; these interactions are now under scrutiny as part of the larger Epstein file disclosures and have sparked questions about journalistic ethics.