Wexner Says Epstein 'Name Dropped' Trump in Deposition

Billionaire retail magnate denies close relationship between Trump and Epstein

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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In a congressional deposition, billionaire Leslie Wexner said that Jeffrey Epstein would "name drop" President Donald Trump as one of the many high-profile people he claimed to know. However, Wexner denied believing that Trump and Epstein were actually friends, and said he did not see or hear anything about Trump having a sexual relationship with someone introduced to him by Epstein or his convicted accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell.

Why it matters

The deposition provides new insight into the relationship between Epstein, Trump, and other prominent figures, as the Department of Justice's recent release of additional Epstein-related files raises new questions about the late sex criminal's ties to influential people.

The details

Wexner, who was one of Epstein's top clients and benefactors, said Epstein "held [Trump] out as a friend," but that he did not believe Trump and Epstein were actually friends. Wexner also denied seeing or hearing anything about Trump having a sexual relationship with someone introduced to him by Epstein or Maxwell. Wexner said both Trump and Epstein would sometimes be at Victoria's Secret fashion shows, though he suggested it was a "coincidence" and that he can't recall "something ... that would put them together."

  • The deposition occurred on Wednesday, February 19, 2026 in New Albany, Ohio, where Wexner lives.

The players

Jeffrey Epstein

A notorious sex offender who was one of Leslie Wexner's top clients and benefactors.

Leslie Wexner

An 88-year-old billionaire retail magnate who was one of Epstein's top clients and benefactors.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States.

Ghislaine Maxwell

Epstein's convicted accomplice.

Virginia Giuffre

A prominent Epstein accuser who has claimed that Wexner sexually abused her.

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What they’re saying

“I remember because Trump would always introduce himself to me, and I always thought it was kind of odd that he was at the fashion show because he had nothing to do with fashion.”

— Leslie Wexner, Billionaire retail magnate (CNBC)

“I do not believe when Mr. Wexner says that he did not have a personal relationship or a friendly relationship with Epstein.”

— Rep. Robert Garcia, Ranking member, House Oversight Committee (CNBC)

What’s next

The House Oversight Committee plans to continue investigating Wexner's relationship with Epstein and the ties between Epstein, Trump, and other prominent figures.

The takeaway

This deposition provides new details about the complex web of relationships between Epstein, Trump, and other influential individuals, raising further questions about the extent of Epstein's connections to powerful figures and the nature of their interactions.