The Epstein Emails That Exposed Michael Wolff's Methods
Michael Wolff, the controversial author behind the explosive Trump book Fire and Fury, finds himself at the centre of a fresh scandal following the release of Jeffrey Epstein's emails. Congressional Democrats this week unveiled correspondence showing Wolff offering strategic PR advice to the convicted sex offender, raising fundamental questions about journalistic ethics and the pursuit of access.
A Pattern of Blurred Lines
The newly public email exchange from December 2015 reveals Wolff alerting Epstein that Donald Trump would likely face questions about their relationship during a Republican presidential debate. More disturbingly, Wolff proceeded to offer Epstein strategic advice on how to handle the situation, suggesting the financier could "let him hang himself" or alternatively "save him, generating a debt."
This revelation exposes the fundamental conflict at the heart of Wolff's methodology. Rather than maintaining journalistic distance, he appears to have positioned himself as an insider offering counsel to one of the most notorious figures in recent history.
The emails have provoked outrage across social media and journalism circles. Independent journalist Isaac Saul questioned whether this constituted journalism at all, while podcast host Brian Reed expressed bewilderment at Wolff's actions.
Two Decades of Controversial Access
This week's revelations represent merely the latest chapter in Wolff's long history of blurring lines between journalist and subject. Back in 2003, his attempt to orchestrate a $50 million bid for New York Magazine involved assembling an extraordinary cast of characters including media tycoon Mort Zuckerman, Harvey Weinstein, and Jeffrey Epstein.
At the time, Wolff told New York Times media columnist David Carr that the proposed sale would give the magazine "incredible, undreamed-of access to the kinds of circles that it should be a part of." This statement perfectly encapsulates Wolff's approach: not just reporting on power, but seeking to become part of it.
His career has been built on this foundation of extraordinary access. Rupert Murdoch granted him more than 50 hours of interviews for The Man Who Owns the News, though later complained about "damaging misstatements of fact." Steve Bannon provided unprecedented West Wing access, resulting in the explosive revelation that he considered Ivanka Trump "as dumb as a brick."
The Ethics of the Epstein Relationship
Wolff's relationship with Epstein spanned decades, beginning in the late 1990s when Wolff was flown on Epstein's private jet to a west coast conference. Even then, Wolff noted something unusual: Epstein was accompanied by three teenage girls.
Their connection continued through Epstein's legal troubles. In 2007, as Epstein faced indictment in Florida, Wolff advised him on phrasing, suggesting he say "I like young women" rather than "I like young girls."
By 2017, their relationship had evolved into a more formal arrangement. Epstein wanted Wolff to write his biography, while Wolff sought details about Epstein's friendship with Trump for Fire and Fury. They conducted more than 100 hours of recorded discussions at Epstein's Manhattan townhouse.
Wolff later described how "there were always a background of girls at Epstein's house," though he claimed never to have suspected any were underage. This remarkable lack of journalistic curiosity about the activities of a convicted sex offender speaks volumes about Wolff's priorities.
Consequences and Legal Battles
The fallout from Wolff's reporting continues to generate legal drama. Melania Trump recently threatened to sue him for over $1 billion for alleged reputational damage related to his comments about her involvement in White House handling of the Epstein scandal.
Characteristically, Wolff has fought back, suing the former first lady and raising more than $700,000 through a GoFundMe campaign. He claims the funds will help "see behind the dark curtain of the Epstein affair."
Trump's communications director Steven Cheung has a standard response to Wolff inquiries: "Michael Wolff is a lying sack of shit and has been proven to be a fraud." Yet despite such condemnations, powerful figures continue to grant him access.
The Journalistic Defence
Wolff's defenders, including New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman, argue that his approach serves a different purpose than traditional journalism. "He believes in larger truths and narratives," she told CNN, suggesting that while details might be wrong, the broader picture remains valid.
Ben Smith, editor-in-chief of Semafor, notes that Wolff "considers himself a writer, not a journalist" and has never played by conventional rules. This distinction perhaps explains his methods, though it doesn't excuse the ethical breaches exposed in the Epstein emails.
When confronted about the newly released correspondence, Wolff told CNN he couldn't remember the context, describing it as part of "an in-depth conversation with Epstein about his relationship with Trump." This sparse explanation does little to address the fundamental questions about his conduct.
The Epstein email revelations underscore the dangerous compromises inherent in Wolff's brand of access journalism. In pursuing insider status and explosive revelations, he appears to have crossed ethical boundaries that most journalists would consider inviolable.
