Tom Barrack
US State Department, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Tom Barrack
Thomas Joseph Barrack Jr. is an American investor, real estate executive, diplomat, and longtime friend of Donald Trump.
Released records document years of direct communication between Barrack and Jeffrey Epstein. Their correspondence included social messages, invitations, political information, business discussions, legal referrals, and introductions to wealthy investors, diplomats, and international officials.
Much of the documented communication occurred after Epstein’s 2008 conviction and registration as a sex offender.
The records establish a sustained social and professional relationship. They do not establish that Barrack participated in Epstein’s sexual abuse or trafficking operation.
Snapshot
Full name: Thomas Joseph Barrack Jr.
Born: April 28, 1947
Occupation: Investor, real estate executive, and diplomat
Known for: Founding Colony Capital and serving as chairman of Donald Trump’s 2017 presidential inaugural committee
Current public role: United States ambassador to Türkiye and special presidential envoy working on Syria and Iraq
Documented Epstein connection: Direct emails, text messages, social invitations, business discussions, political communications, and introductions
Documented period: Records located from at least 2002 through 2018, with extensive direct communication beginning in 2009
Relationship after Epstein’s conviction: Yes
Criminal charge connected to Epstein: None
Evidence of participation in Epstein’s trafficking crimes: None located in the released records
Who Is Tom Barrack?
Tom Barrack founded Colony Capital in 1991 and built the company into a major international real estate investment business. Colony Capital later became Colony NorthStar and eventually DigitalBridge.
Barrack developed extensive relationships with political leaders, investors, sovereign wealth funds, and royal families. His business interests included hotels, casinos, distressed real estate, and entertainment properties.
In 2008, a Colony Capital partnership acquired the debt connected to Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch. Barrack later participated in the acquisition of Miramax.
Barrack has been a friend and business associate of Donald Trump for decades. He became a major fundraiser during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and chaired the committee responsible for the 2017 presidential inauguration.
The Senate confirmed Barrack as United States ambassador to Türkiye in April 2025. He subsequently assumed a leading diplomatic role involving Syria and Iraq.
The Earliest Located Records
The exact date Barrack first met Epstein remains unclear.
A 2002 email from hotel executive Tom Pritzker to Ghislaine Maxwell mentioned seeing Barrack at a dinner in Mexico. This is an indirect reference and does not document a meeting between Barrack and Epstein.
Later in 2002, Epstein’s office sent a FedEx package to Barrack. The available record confirms the shipment but does not reveal its contents.
The early records are significant because they place Barrack within Epstein’s social and business network years before Epstein’s Florida prosecution.
The relevant records are EFTA02333433 and EFTA00217929.
Contact After Epstein’s Release From Jail
Epstein pleaded guilty to Florida state offenses in 2008 and was required to register as a sex offender. He was released from Palm Beach County custody in July 2009.
In September 2009, Barrack sent Epstein a supportive message stating that he was thinking about him and hoped that life had become calm again.
The message is important because it shows Barrack reaching out only months after Epstein completed his controversial jail sentence.
The communication can be reviewed in EFTA02436988.
The records then show years of intermittent but friendly contact. Barrack and Epstein discussed meetings, travel, personal matters, business opportunities, and influential contacts.
Nicole Junkermann and Epstein’s Role as an Intermediary
Epstein helped connect Barrack with investor Nicole Junkermann.
The correspondence suggests that Epstein acted as a liaison after a relationship of some kind developed between Barrack and Junkermann. The complete nature of that relationship is not established by the released records.
Epstein invited Barrack to his New Mexico property during this period. Barrack apparently considered the visit, but his assistant later canceled it.
In one exchange, Epstein assured Barrack that he would help with whatever Barrack needed. Barrack later described the situation as complicated and said he had not wanted Junkermann exposed to the circumstances. Epstein responded that he was always available for Barrack, and Barrack returned the sentiment.
The relevant documents include EFTA02407866, EFTA01616740, and EFTA02419981.
These messages document familiarity and mutual expressions of support. They do not explain every aspect of the underlying personal or business situation.
Prince Andrew Invitation
In November 2010, Epstein told Barrack that Prince Andrew would be staying with him in New York for a week. Epstein asked whether Barrack wanted Prince Andrew present when Barrack visited.
The message shows Epstein offering access to a member of the British royal family after Epstein’s conviction.
The available record does not establish whether the proposed meeting occurred.
The invitation is preserved in EFTA00776701.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem
Epstein also attempted to bring Barrack together with Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, the Dubai business executive associated with DP World.
In 2010, Epstein invited Barrack to his New Mexico ranch while Bin Sulayem was expected to visit. Barrack declined but asked Epstein to give Bin Sulayem a hug for him.
In August 2011, Barrack told Epstein that he had recently seen Bin Sulayem. Barrack said that Bin Sulayem liked Epstein and described Epstein as an exceptional mind and person.
The records demonstrate that Barrack, Epstein, and Bin Sulayem operated within an overlapping social and international business network.
The relevant evidence appears in EFTA01776453 and EFTA00695161.
The Proposed Sale of Epstein’s Manhattan Mansion
In January 2012, Barrack contacted Epstein and said he had an idea he wanted to discuss.
The subsequent correspondence concerned a possible sale of Epstein’s Manhattan mansion to Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani.
Barrack and the Qatari leader planned to view the property. Before the proposed visit, Epstein instructed his staff to remove nude photographs from the walls.
Epstein also instructed a woman whose identity is redacted to wear heels. In the same exchange, Epstein suggested that she tell Barrack that Epstein thanked him every day “for Sarah” and that Barrack was how Epstein had found her. The public record does not conclusively identify the person named Sarah or explain the statement.
The planned visit was delayed and then canceled. Barrack later told Epstein that the Qatari leader had seen the house but believed it lacked enough bedrooms. Epstein responded that several rooms had been converted into a gym, office, and music room.
The property discussion is documented in EFTA02037078, EFTA00529542, EFTA01844096, and EFTA00665866.
The instruction to remove nude photographs is relevant evidence about how Epstein prepared his home for an important visitor. It does not establish that Barrack knew why the photographs were displayed or removed.
Colony Capital Discussions
Epstein followed Barrack’s business activities and exchanged messages about Colony Capital.
In December 2012, Epstein forwarded Barrack an investor message concerning the company and asked whether Barrack ever rested. Barrack replied with a joke about becoming Epstein’s butler and asked how his “role model” was doing. The identity of the person described as the role model is unclear from the available exchange.
The correspondence appears in EFTA00668643.
In 2016, Epstein later purchased approximately one million dollars in Colony Capital stock. The transaction occurred shortly after a scheduled gathering involving Epstein, Barrack, Terje Rød Larsen, and a possible telephone appearance by Peter Thiel.
The timing is documented, but the available records do not establish that the stock purchase resulted from confidential information or an agreement with Barrack.
The purchase record appears in EFTA00638866.
The 2016 Presidential Campaign
Barrack became an important adviser and fundraiser during Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.
As Barrack’s political influence increased, Epstein began sending him information involving Trump, the Clinton family, media inquiries, and the presidential campaign.
In March 2016, Epstein told Barrack that reporters frequently asked him about Trump, Melania Trump, Marla Maples, beauty pageants, Mar a Lago, and Bill Clinton. Epstein said that he normally refused to comment.
Barrack responded that they should catch up.
Epstein then asked Barrack to send photographs of Barrack with his child. Contemporary context indicates Barrack had recently welcomed a child. Nothing in the message establishes a sexual context.
The exchange is preserved in EFTA00832251.
The Katie Johnson Complaint
In April 2016, Epstein forwarded Barrack information about a civil complaint filed by a woman using the pseudonym Katie Johnson.
The complaint alleged that Epstein and Trump raped her when she was thirteen. Trump denied the allegations. The litigation was voluntarily dismissed before the allegations could be tested at trial.
Epstein described the complaint as irrational but said Barrack and others should know about it.
The released exchange does not show Barrack replying. It also does not establish that he transmitted the information to Trump or anyone in Trump’s campaign.
The message is preserved in EFTA00828561.
Campaign Praise and Encrypted Communication
After Barrack spoke at the Republican National Convention in July 2016, Epstein congratulated him. Barrack replied, “Thanks pal.”
That exchange appears in EFTA00721295.
In August 2016, Barrack told Epstein that he had met Epstein’s Saudi friend. Epstein responded by encouraging Barrack to download Signal, an encrypted messaging application.
Barrack said he would download the application.
That exchange appears in EFTA01614233.
The public release does not contain any resulting Signal messages. The absence of those records means the contents and extent of any encrypted communication cannot be determined.
Using encrypted communication is not proof of criminal conduct. However, the missing messages create a meaningful gap in the documentary record.
The Barrack, Barak, and Churkin Lunch
Epstein arranged an August 2016 lunch involving Barrack, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, and Russian ambassador Vitaly Churkin.
Epstein’s calendar for August 29 included an entry for lunch with the three men.
The calendar record is EFTA00318517.
Related correspondence involving Churkin appears in EFTA01619438, while Epstein’s introduction involving Ehud Barak appears in EFTA00285196.
The records document Epstein placing Barrack at a table with influential figures from the United States, Israel, and Russia during the presidential campaign.
They do not establish the subjects discussed at the lunch or prove that every scheduled participant attended.
Peter Thiel and Terje Rød Larsen
In September 2016, Epstein scheduled another meeting involving Barrack and Terje Rød Larsen. Epstein also invited Peter Thiel to participate by telephone.
The records place Epstein in the role of organizer and intermediary among wealthy investors, diplomats, and political advisers.
The evidence includes EFTA00818076, EFTA00318517, and EFTA02450575.
Shortly after the scheduled meeting, Epstein sent Barrack a message referring to a suggestion by Thiel involving women and children and criticizing military interventions that caused civilian deaths. The message appears political rather than sexual in context.
That exchange is preserved in EFTA00817624.
Political Material Sent to Barrack
During the 2016 campaign, Epstein sent Barrack links to leaked emails from Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta.
Barrack shared an opinion article he had written for Fortune. Epstein also sent Barrack a lengthy analysis of Trump’s debate performance against Hillary Clinton.
These communications show Epstein attempting to remain useful to a person positioned close to the Trump campaign.
The relevant records include EFTA02447522, EFTA00814347, and EFTA02449078.
The records do not establish that Barrack used Epstein’s analysis or transmitted it to Trump.
Election Night and the Saudi Connection
On November 9, 2016, a senior Saudi official asked Epstein whether the Saudi king should call the newly elected president.
Epstein replied that Tom Barrack was the official’s point person.
The message documents Epstein presenting Barrack as an access point to the incoming administration. It does not establish that Barrack authorized Epstein to make that representation.
The exchange appears in EFTA01614140.
Later that month, Epstein told one contact that he was in Palm Beach with people from Trump’s circle. In another message, he referred to being with “Barrack and the boys” and described the gathering as wild.
Those statements appear in EFTA01060663 and EFTA01742102.
These were Epstein’s descriptions. They do not independently establish who attended, what occurred, or whether Epstein’s characterization was accurate.
The Presidential Inauguration
Barrack chaired Trump’s presidential inaugural committee, which raised approximately 107 million dollars.
In January 2017, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem contacted Epstein about invitations he had received from Barrack to inauguration events.
The correspondence shows that Epstein remained connected to international figures seeking guidance about access to the incoming administration.
Available reporting indicates that Bin Sulayem attended an inaugural event. The record does not establish that Epstein attended the inauguration.
Bill Gates, Anil Ambani, and International Introductions
In 2017, Epstein suggested that Barrack meet Bill Gates and Indian businessman Anil Ambani.
The Gates related correspondence appears in EFTA02656753.
The Ambani introduction appears in EFTA01618757.
The messages show Epstein continuing to broker access between Barrack and prominent international figures after Barrack had become a central member of Trump’s political network.
The records do not establish that every suggested meeting occurred.
Advice During the Mueller Investigation
As scrutiny surrounding Russian interference in the 2016 election intensified, Epstein sent political suggestions to people close to Trump, including Barrack.
One document records Epstein proposing the creation of a “war council” to manage the administration’s response.
That communication appears in EFTA00786091.
In May 2017, Epstein recommended defense attorney Reid Weingarten to Barrack.
Barrack replied that Weingarten was already “on the boss’s list,” apparently referring to Trump.
The recommendation and response appear in EFTA00652184 and EFTA01044603.
The exchange demonstrates that Epstein and Barrack discussed legal resources connected to the political crisis surrounding the administration.
Continued Contact in 2017 and 2018
In June 2017, Epstein asked Barrack to meet him in San Diego or visit his New Mexico ranch for the weekend.
Barrack replied that he was in Washington and would contact Epstein through Signal.
The message is preserved in EFTA02362485.
In January 2018, Epstein told journalist Michael Wolff that Barrack was repeatedly contacting him as publication approached for Wolff’s book Fire and Fury.
The available records suggest Barrack was concerned about how he, Epstein, or their shared history might appear in the book. The precise content of any Signal communication is not available.
On November 11, 2018, flight records reportedly show Barrack’s aircraft and Epstein’s aircraft departing Teterboro for Palm Beach within approximately one hour of one another.
The similar timing does not prove that Barrack and Epstein traveled together or attended the same event. It is a documented overlap that warrants inclusion without overstating its meaning.
Barrack’s Separate Federal Prosecution
Barrack was arrested in 2021 and charged with acting as an unregistered agent of the United Arab Emirates, obstructing justice, and making false statements to federal investigators.
Prosecutors alleged that he used his access to Trump to advance Emirati interests. Barrack denied the charges and testified in his own defense.
In November 2022, a federal jury acquitted Barrack on every count.
That prosecution was not an Epstein case. The charges should not be presented as evidence that Barrack participated in Epstein’s crimes.
However, some of the Epstein correspondence involving Barrack, Bin Sulayem, Gulf officials, and access to Trump overlaps with the same international influence environment examined during Barrack’s trial.
The acquittal remains the controlling legal outcome.
Barrack’s Current Government Role
Barrack was confirmed as United States ambassador to Türkiye in April 2025.
He later received responsibility for United States policy involving Syria. In 2026, his diplomatic portfolio expanded to include a leading role involving Iraq.
His current public authority makes the released Epstein correspondence especially important. The issue is not merely that Barrack knew Epstein. The records show Epstein repeatedly attempting to use Barrack as an entrance into political, diplomatic, financial, and royal circles.
No evidence establishes that Barrack knowingly facilitated Epstein’s sexual crimes. The records instead document how Epstein maintained access to a politically influential person long after becoming a registered sex offender.
What the Evidence Establishes
The available evidence establishes the following facts.
- Barrack appeared in Epstein related records as early as 2002.
- Barrack directly contacted Epstein after Epstein’s 2009 release from jail.
- Barrack and Epstein exchanged friendly and supportive messages.
- Epstein invited Barrack to his New Mexico ranch.
- Epstein offered Barrack access to Prince Andrew and other prominent figures.
- Epstein helped connect Barrack with Nicole Junkermann, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Ehud Barak, Vitaly Churkin, Peter Thiel, Bill Gates, and Anil Ambani.
- Barrack attempted to introduce a Qatari leader to Epstein’s Manhattan mansion.
- Epstein sent Barrack information involving Trump, the Clinton family, the Katie Johnson complaint, and the 2016 presidential campaign.
- Epstein encouraged Barrack to use Signal.
- Barrack indicated that he would communicate through Signal.
- Epstein described Barrack as a point person for a Saudi official seeking access to the incoming Trump administration.
- Epstein purchased approximately one million dollars in Colony Capital stock in 2016.
- Their communication continued after Trump’s election.
- Barrack was acquitted of all charges in his separate federal foreign influence case.
What the Evidence Does Not Establish
The available evidence does not establish the following claims.
- It does not establish that Barrack participated in Epstein’s sexual abuse or trafficking operation.
- It does not establish that Barrack knew about any continuing criminal conduct by Epstein.
- It does not establish that Barrack transmitted Epstein’s political messages to Trump.
- It does not establish that Trump communicated with Epstein through Barrack.
- It does not reveal the contents of communications conducted through Signal.
- It does not establish that every proposed meeting occurred.
- It does not establish that Epstein’s purchase of Colony Capital stock resulted from improper information.
- It does not connect Barrack’s federal prosecution to Epstein’s criminal case.
Why Tom Barrack Belongs on EpsteinWiki
Tom Barrack belongs on EpsteinWiki because the records establish more than incidental contact.
The correspondence documents years of direct communication after Epstein’s conviction. It shows Epstein using Barrack’s relationships to reach investors, royal figures, diplomats, Gulf officials, and people surrounding the Trump campaign and administration.
Barrack’s records illustrate one of the central features of Epstein’s post conviction life. A registered sex offender continued to receive invitations, introductions, affection, advice, and access from powerful people.
That pattern helped Epstein rebuild the social legitimacy that his conviction should have destroyed.
Documenting the relationship does not require accusing Barrack of Epstein’s crimes. It requires presenting the evidence accurately, completely, and in context.
Key Takeaways
- Tom Barrack maintained direct contact with Epstein for years after Epstein’s 2008 conviction.
- Their exchanges included personal support, social invitations, business matters, political information, and international introductions.
- Epstein treated Barrack as a potential bridge to Trump’s political circle and to influential Middle Eastern officials.
- Barrack and Epstein discussed moving communications to Signal, but those messages are absent from the released files.
- Epstein purchased approximately one million dollars in Colony Capital stock shortly after a scheduled meeting involving Barrack and other prominent figures.
- Barrack was separately prosecuted on foreign influence charges and acquitted on every count.
- No released evidence establishes that Barrack participated in Epstein’s sexual abuse or trafficking operation.
Epstein Data Evidence
- Search all Epstein Data records for Tom Barrack
- Search all Epstein Data records for Thomas Barrack
- EFTA02333433, 2002 Pritzker reference to Barrack
- EFTA00217929, 2002 FedEx record involving Barrack
- EFTA02436988, Barrack’s September 2009 message to Epstein
- EFTA02407866, New Mexico invitation and scheduling
- EFTA01616740, Epstein’s offer to help Barrack
- EFTA02419981, Barrack and Epstein exchange mutual support
- EFTA00776701, Prince Andrew invitation
- EFTA01776453, Bin Sulayem ranch invitation
- EFTA00695161, Barrack praises Epstein after seeing Bin Sulayem
- EFTA02037078, proposed mansion sale discussion
- EFTA00529542, instruction to remove nude photographs
- EFTA01844096, staff instruction before proposed mansion visit
- EFTA00665866, Barrack reports response to Epstein’s mansion
- EFTA00668643, Colony Capital investor discussion
- EFTA00832251, media inquiries involving Trump and Clinton
- EFTA00828561, Katie Johnson complaint sent to Barrack
- EFTA00721295, Republican convention congratulations
- EFTA01614233, Saudi contact and Signal request
- EFTA01619438, Vitaly Churkin meeting communication
- EFTA00285196, Ehud Barak introduction record
- EFTA00318517, Barrack, Barak, and Churkin calendar entry
- EFTA00818076, Peter Thiel meeting invitation
- EFTA02450575, estate planning advice sent to Barrack
- EFTA00817624, political message following the scheduled meeting
- EFTA00638866, Colony Capital stock purchase
- EFTA02447522, Podesta email material sent to Barrack
- EFTA00814347, Barrack opinion article correspondence
- EFTA02449078, Epstein’s presidential debate analysis
- EFTA01614140, Barrack described as Saudi point person
- EFTA01060663, Epstein’s Palm Beach message
- EFTA01742102, Epstein’s statement about Barrack and Palm Beach
- EFTA02656753, proposed Bill Gates introduction
- EFTA01618757, proposed Anil Ambani introduction
- EFTA00786091, proposed political war council
- EFTA00652184, Reid Weingarten recommendation
- EFTA01044603, Barrack’s response concerning the lawyer
- EFTA02362485, New Mexico invitation and Signal response
- Epstein Data investigation of Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem and the Dubai network
- Epstein Data full document search
Related EpsteinWiki Articles
- Jeffrey Epstein
- Donald Trump
- Katie Johnson
- Ghislaine Maxwell
- Prince Andrew
- Ehud Barak
- Peter Thiel
- Bill Gates
- Tom Pritzker
- Nicole Junkermann
- Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem
- Vitaly Churkin
- Terje Rød Larsen
- Michael Wolff
- Reid Weingarten
- Epstein Court Documents
- EpsteinWiki Evidence Index
Sources
- CBS News investigation of Tom Barrack’s Epstein correspondence
- United States Senate confirmation of Barrack as ambassador to Türkiye
- Reuters report on Barrack’s ambassadorial confirmation
- United States Department of Justice announcement of the Barrack indictment
- Reuters reporting on Barrack’s testimony and acquittal
- Epstein Data search for Tom Barrack
- Epstein Data Dubai and Bin Sulayem investigation