Epstein’s 2019 Emails to Noam Chomsky Revealed in 2026 DOJ Release
Updated (3 articles)
Epstein Contacted Chomsky for Media Guidance in February 2019 Jeffrey Epstein sent a February 2019 email to Noam Chomsky asking how to handle what he called “putrid” or “nauséabonde” press coverage of sex‑trafficking allegations, a few months before his August 2019 prison suicide [1][2]. He framed the media narrative as a crisis and sought advice on whether to defend himself or ignore the coverage. The correspondence appears among thousands of documents released by the U.S. Justice Department in early 2026.
Chomsky Replied That Ignoring the Press Was Best In his response, Chomsky urged Epstein to keep a low profile, describing the media frenzy as “vultures” and recommending that the best reaction was to ignore the hysteria [1][2]. He warned that questioning the abuse charges could be treated as “a crime worse than murder,” reflecting his view of the press’s aggressive tactics. The tone of the reply emphasized solidarity with Epstein’s perceived “horrible” treatment.
Emails Disclosed in Large DOJ Batch on Jan 30 2026 The Justice Department made the email chain public on Jan 30 2026 as part of a broader release of files from the federal Epstein investigation [1][2]. The batch also contains other exchanges between Epstein, Chomsky, and Chomsky’s wife Valeria, as well as December photographs linking Epstein to figures such as Steve Bannon and Woody Allen. The release provides new context for Epstein’s network shortly before his death.
Chomsky’s Prior Relationship with Epstein Stated as Limited In a 2023 Wall Street Journal interview, Chomsky confirmed he knew Epstein, met him occasionally, and regarded the matter as “none of your business,” underscoring a limited acquaintance [1]. The BBC notes that the presence of Chomsky’s name in the files does not imply any illegal activity on his part. Both outlets stress that the emails focus on media strategy rather than any criminal collaboration.
Sources
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1.
BBC: Epstein Emails Chomsky Advice on Media Coverage: Details the February 2019 email request, Chomsky’s advice to ignore the press, and places the correspondence within the broader federal probe, while noting Chomsky’s limited prior contact .
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Le Monde: Emails Reveal Noam Chomsky Advised Jeffrey Epstein on Media Strategy Months Before Suicide: Highlights the same February 2019 exchange, adds the “vultures” rhetoric, mentions December photos with high‑profile figures, and situates the release in the Jan 30 2026 DOJ disclosure .
Timeline
Early 2000s – Donald Trump ends his personal and business ties with Jeffrey Epstein and later denies any knowledge of Epstein’s trafficking activities, marking the start of a public break between the two men [2].
2008 – Epstein is convicted of sex‑offense charges, yet he continues to correspond with high‑profile figures, laying the groundwork for a network that later appears in a 23,000‑page document trove [2].
Feb 2019 – Jeffrey Epstein emails Noam Chomsky asking for advice on handling “putrid” press coverage of sex‑trafficking allegations, seeking a strategy to defend or ignore the media narrative [1][3].
Feb 2019 – Chomsky replies that Epstein should ignore the “vultures” of the press, warning that questioning abuse accusations can be treated as “a crime worse than murder” and urging a low‑profile approach [1][3].
July 2019 – Federal authorities arrest Epstein on sex‑trafficking charges, escalating legal pressure after his earlier plea for media counsel [1].
Aug 2019 – Epstein dies in his New York jail cell while awaiting trial, ending the criminal case that had prompted his outreach to Chomsky [1].
2019 – Epstein texts U.S. Virgin Islands Delegate Stacey Plaskett, urging her to ask a question about a Trump Organization employee at a House hearing; after she complies, he texts “Good Work” [2].
2019 – Plaskett later states she was texting multiple contacts, including Epstein as a constituent, and denies seeking his advice on the hearing question [2].
2023 – In a Wall Street Journal interview, Chomsky confirms he knows Epstein, met him occasionally, and characterizes the matter as “none of your business,” reinforcing his limited acquaintance [1].
July 10, 2025 – A medical examiner rules Epstein’s death a suicide in his cell, providing an official cause for his demise six months after the Plaskett exchange [2].
Dec 2025 – Photographs released show Epstein alongside Chomsky, former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, and filmmaker Woody Allen, highlighting the breadth of his social connections [3].
Jan 30, 2026 – The U.S. Justice Department publicly releases a 23,000‑page trove of documents, including the February 2019 Chomsky‑Epstein emails and evidence of Epstein’s continued elite contacts, shedding new light on his network and media strategy [3][1].