The Gateway to Influence. How Jeffrey Epstein used his "Billionaires Dinners" to defraud the US Tax Payers.

Shadows of Influence: From Epstein's Elite Dinners to the CHIPS Act Boom in New Albany Introduction: Webs of Power and Prosperity In the intricate tapestry of American power, where billionaires mingle with intellectuals and financiers orchestrate vast economic shifts, few figures cast as long a shadow as Jeffrey Epstein. The convicted sex offender and self-styled "science philanthropist" navigated elite circles with ease, leveraging connections to amass influence and wealth. His involvement in high-profile events like the Edge Foundation's Billionaires' Dinners exemplified this access, bringing together tech titans, scientists, and moguls for discussions on innovation and the future. Yet, Epstein's reach extended beyond cocktail conversations into tangible business ventures, particularly through his decades-long alliance with retail billionaire Leslie "Les" Wexner, founder of L Brands (parent of Victoria's Secret). This partnership not only entangled Epstein in Wexner's personal and philanthropic affairs but also positioned him at the heart of New Albany, Ohio—a once-rural suburb transformed into a burgeoning tech hub. Today, New Albany hosts Intel's massive semiconductor project, fueled by the federal CHIPS and Science Act, promising jobs and national security gains but mired in delays, tax controversies, and whispers of undue influence. As recent revelations, including a July 2025 Wall Street Journal report on a lewd birthday card signed by Wexner for Epstein, reignite scrutiny of their ties, questions arise: How did Epstein's network facilitate New Albany's rise? And does the Intel project represent genuine progress or a subsidized extension of elite favoritism? This article explores these threads, blending the glamour of billionaire gatherings with the gritty realities of economic development.

The Billionaires' Dinners: Epstein's Gateway to Elite Influence the Edge Foundation's annual Billionaires' Dinners, organized by literary agent John Brockman, were more than mere social events—they were crucibles for ideas and alliances among the world's wealthiest and brightest. Held often alongside the TED Conference, these gatherings evolved from the "Digerati Dinners" of the 1990s into exclusive forums discussing quantum computing, evolutionary biology, and technological frontiers. Epstein, as the foundation's primary benefactor, donated over $638,000 between 2001 and 2017, funding operations that book sales alone couldn't sustain. His presence at dinners in 1999, 2000, 2004, and 2011 allowed him to rub shoulders with luminaries, burnishing his image as a patron of science despite his predatory underside. Notable attendees included tech giants whose companies now intersect with New Albany's tech landscape. At the 2004 dinner in Monterey, California, guests featured Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page, and eBay's Pierre Omidyar—discussing cosmology and psychology amid Epstein's quantum musings with physicist Seth Lloyd. By 2011, in Long Beach, the roster expanded to include Elon Musk and Yahoo executive Marissa Mayer, with Epstein lurking in photos despite his 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a minor. Epstein often brought associates like Sarah Kellen, implicated in his abuses, further blurring lines between intellectual exchange and exploitation. These dinners weren't isolated; they mirrored Epstein's broader strategy of infiltrating elite networks. Post-scandal, many attendees distanced themselves, but the events underscored how Epstein used philanthropy to gain proximity to power—proximity that extended to business dealings, including in Ohio. Epstein and Wexner: A Partnership Forged in New Albany at the core of Epstein's Ohio connections lies Les Wexner, the Columbus-born billionaire who built a retail empire worth billion. Their relationship began in the 1980s, with Epstein managing Wexner's finances and even receiving power of attorney in 1991—a move granting him sweeping control over Wexner's assets. Wexner has since expressed "embarrassment" over the ties, claiming ignorance of Epstein's crimes, but documents reveal a deeper entanglement. In 1998, Epstein was listed as co-president of the New Albany Company, Wexner's real estate firm responsible for developing the upscale community. New Albany, once farmland, was envisioned by Wexner as a Georgian-style enclave for the affluent. Epstein's involvement included overseeing land acquisitions and development, with critics alleging coercive tactics to displace residents. A 1996 incident reportedly saw Epstein assaulting an officer during a property dispute, highlighting the aggressive expansion. Wexner gifted Epstein a lavish mansion there, which became a site for alleged abuses, as detailed in unsealed court documents from Epstein's sex-trafficking cases. One accuser claimed multiple encounters with Wexner himself, though he denies involvement. Recent disclosures, like the 2025 Wall Street Journal report on a 2003 birthday card signed by Wexner with a lewd drawing, underscore the intimacy of their bond. Philanthropically, Epstein funneled Wexner's money into science and arts, but ties soured after Epstein's 2008 plea deal, with Wexner accusing him of stealing $46 million. Despite Epstein's 2019 death, Wexner's "second life" involves quietly reshaping Ohio through New Albany's tech pivot. New Albany's Tech Transformation: From Farmland to Silicon Heartland Wexner's vision for New Albany extended beyond luxury homes. The New Albany Company, under his stewardship, amassed over 3,000 acres, positioning the area as a magnet for tech investments. By the 2010s, it hosted data centers for Amazon, Google, and Meta—companies led by Billionaires' Dinner alumni like Bezos. This infrastructure laid the groundwork for Intel's arrival, with Wexner personally lobbying CEO Pat Gelsinger and securing land deals. Announced in January 2022, Intel's $28 billion project—potentially expanding to $100 billion—aims to build two advanced chip fabs, creating 3,000 direct jobs and thousands more indirectly. Wexner's firm facilitated site selection, including annexations and infrastructure prep, earning praise for turning Ohio into the "Silicon Heartland." However, critics on platforms like Reddit and X decry the destruction of rural landscapes, linking it to Epstein-Wexner tactics from the 1990s. X users, including conspiracy theorists, speculate on deeper ties: "Trillions being funneled to Israel with the Chips Act... Started by Jeffrey Epstein and carried on by Les Wexner." Others highlight Palantir and Thiel investments, echoing Epstein's tech mogul connections. The CHIPS Act Nexus: Subsidies, Delays, and Scrutiny The CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, allocating $52 billion to bolster U.S. chip production, supercharged New Albany's project. Intel received $7.86 billion in federal funds, with $1.5 billion for Ohio, plus 25% investment tax credits. State incentives totaled $2 billion, including 30-year property tax abatements worth $650 million. Proponents argue these are essential for competing with Asia, but delays have pushed operations to 2030-2032, far from the 2025 target. Critics label it "corporate welfare," pointing to lax clawbacks and opaque deals. Policy Matters Ohio notes undisclosed abatements shortchanging locals, while shareholder lawsuits accuse Intel of misleading on capabilities. Trump called the Act a "scam," vowing repeal, amid allegations of favoritism toward Epstein-linked networks. X posts amplify this: "The Chips Act cash is going straight to companies with deep Epstein-Wexner connections." | Aspect | Details | Concerns | |--------|---------|----------| | Federal Funding | $7.86B via CHIPS Act | Delays in disbursement; potential repeal under Trump. | | State Incentives | $2B package, 30-year tax breaks | Weak enforcement; no penalties for delays. | | Land Deals | Wexner's firm sold sites at premium | Alleged insider advantages from Epstein era. | | Job Projections | 3,000 direct, 7,000 construction | Scaled back amid Intel layoffs; indirect benefits questioned. Breaking Down the "Fraud": Transparency and Tax Program Pitfalls While no criminal fraud charges exist, skepticism abounds. The project's "force majeure" clauses allow delays without repercussions, and tax programs lack robust oversight. Residents lament environmental costs and unfulfilled promises, echoing earlier Wexner-Epstein land grabs. Broader critiques tie it to Epstein's web: "Epstein and Wexner’s New Albany land bank was the blueprint... Tax abatements, foreign visa carve-outs." Intel's struggles, including a 2024 lawsuit over manufacturing misrepresentations, fuel doubts. Yet, supporters like Ohio officials emphasize economic ripple effects, with Wexner's role seen as visionary rather than villainous. Conclusion: Echoes of Epstein in Modern Megadeals From the opulent tables of Billionaires' Dinners to the construction sites of New Albany, Epstein's legacy persists through networks of influence and opportunity. Wexner's post-scandal resurgence, engineering Intel's foothold amid CHIPS subsidies, illustrates how elite ties endure scandals. While the project promises U.S. tech sovereignty, its delays, incentives, and historical baggage invite scrutiny: Is this innovation or institutionalized favoritism? As of July 2025, with Trump eyeing CHIPS repeal and fresh Epstein revelations, New Albany stands as a microcosm of America's power dynamics—where billionaires' shadows shape the future, for better or worse.