Jeffrey Epstein Sought PR Advice From Bill Clinton's Ex-Press Secretary

Epstein mistakenly called Joe Lockhart 'Lockhard' in email exchange with Larry Summers

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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According to newly released documents, the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein reached out to Bill Clinton's former White House press secretary Joe Lockhart in 2015 seeking PR advice to help manage a widening sex-trafficking scandal. Epstein had been introduced to Lockhart by Clinton's ex-Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, who described Lockhart as "capable and experienced" in handling crisis communications. While there is no evidence Lockhart ever worked for Epstein, the disclosure of their email exchange has caused unease within Clinton's inner circle.

Why it matters

Epstein's connections to high-profile figures like the Clintons have long been a source of controversy, and this latest revelation about his outreach to Lockhart, a Clinton administration alum, is likely to further fuel speculation about the former president's ties to the convicted sex offender. The documents also shine a light on Epstein's efforts to enlist the help of PR experts as he faced mounting legal troubles and media scrutiny over his sex-trafficking activities.

The details

In a January 2015 email exchange, Epstein wrote to Summers asking to speak with "lockhard" - an apparent misspelling of Lockhart's name. Summers then introduced the two men, describing Lockhart as "capable and experienced" in crisis communications, having previously assisted Bill Clinton and former CIA Director David Petraeus. While Lockhart claims he never worked for Epstein, emails show the two men promptly made arrangements to speak on the phone about potentially providing PR advice to Epstein.

  • On January 25, 2015, Epstein emailed Summers asking to speak with "lockhard".
  • Also on January 25, 2015, Summers introduced Epstein and Lockhart in a separate email.
  • On January 26, 2015, Epstein and Lockhart agreed to speak on the phone the following day.

The players

Jeffrey Epstein

A late financier and convicted sex offender who was seeking PR advice from high-profile figures as he faced a widening sex-trafficking scandal.

Joe Lockhart

Bill Clinton's former White House press secretary, who Epstein reached out to for potential PR assistance.

Larry Summers

Bill Clinton's former Treasury Secretary, who introduced Epstein and Lockhart and described the latter as "capable and experienced" in crisis communications.

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What they’re saying

“Mr Epstein called me seeking consulting help. I declined the offer.”

— Joe Lockhart (The Post)

The takeaway

This case highlights the extensive network of high-profile connections that Jeffrey Epstein cultivated, even reaching out to former Clinton administration officials like Joe Lockhart for potential PR assistance as he faced mounting legal troubles. The disclosure of these connections is likely to continue fueling scrutiny and speculation around Epstein's ties to powerful figures in politics and finance.