Ohio GOP Leaders Donate Wexner Campaign Cash Amid Epstein Probe

Several Republican politicians in Ohio are returning donations from billionaire Les Wexner amid scrutiny over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Several Ohio Republican politicians are donating campaign contributions they received from billionaire Les Wexner, the founder of Victoria's Secret, amid an ongoing investigation into Wexner's ties to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This comes after Palm Beach police received multiple reports about Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell between 2001 and 2004, years before Epstein's arrest.

Why it matters

The decision by Ohio GOP leaders to return Wexner's campaign donations highlights the growing political fallout from the Epstein scandal, which has ensnared a number of high-profile individuals and organizations. Wexner's close relationship with Epstein has come under intense scrutiny, raising questions about the extent of his knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities.

The details

Several Ohio Republican politicians, including Governor Mike DeWine and U.S. Senator Rob Portman, have announced that they will be donating campaign contributions they received from Wexner to charity. This move comes as Wexner's ties to Epstein continue to be investigated, with Palm Beach police having received multiple reports about the two men between 2001 and 2004, years before Epstein's arrest.

  • Between 2001 and 2004, Palm Beach police received multiple reports about Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
  • In 2026, Ohio Republican leaders announced they would be donating campaign contributions from Les Wexner amid the ongoing Epstein probe.

The players

Les Wexner

The founder of Victoria's Secret, whose close relationship with Jeffrey Epstein has come under intense scrutiny.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late sex offender whose criminal activities have ensnared a number of high-profile individuals and organizations.

Ghislaine Maxwell

Epstein's associate, who has also been the subject of investigations related to Epstein's crimes.

Mike DeWine

The Governor of Ohio, who has announced he will be donating campaign contributions from Wexner to charity.

Rob Portman

A U.S. Senator from Ohio, who has also announced he will be donating campaign contributions from Wexner to charity.

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The takeaway

The decision by Ohio GOP leaders to return Wexner's campaign donations highlights the growing political fallout from the Epstein scandal, which has ensnared a number of high-profile individuals and organizations. This move raises questions about the extent of Wexner's knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities and the impact it will have on his political and business relationships going forward.