Noam Chomsky is an American linguist, professor emeritus at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and political activist widely regarded as the founder of modern linguistics. Born in 1928, Chomsky developed revolutionary theories of transformational grammar and is a major figure in cognitive science and analytic philosophy. The Epstein archive documents an extensive relationship between Chomsky and Jeffrey Epstein spanning from approximately 2012 to 2019, comprising over 7,000 emails across nearly 3,000 threads. The correspondence reveals that Chomsky and his second wife, Valeria Chomsky, sought Epstein's advice on complex family trust disputes involving Chomsky's children from his first marriage, received financial consulting services through Epstein's foundation, and met with him at his Manhattan townhouse and in Cambridge on multiple occasions. Epstein's attorney Darren Indyke simultaneously served as drafter of the Chomskys' family settlement agreements, custodian of $267,500 in escrow funds listed as Chomsky assets, and author of Chomsky's consulting agreement with Epstein's foundation — representing a profound conflict of interest with no apparent independent counsel for the Chomskys. In February 2019, Chomsky advised Epstein on managing negative press coverage, writing that "the best way to proceed is to ignore it" and characterizing media scrutiny as part of "the hysteria that has developed about abuse of women, which has reached the point that even questioning a charge is a crime worse than murder". Epstein forwarded this advice verbatim to his publicist Matthew Hiltzik under the subject line "Thoughts from Chomsky." The relationship continued despite Chomsky's awareness of Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
Background#
Avram Noam Chomsky was born December 7, 1928, in Philadelphia. He received his bachelor's and doctoral degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and was hired as a professor at MIT in 1955 at age 27, where he revolutionized linguistics with his theories on syntax and grammar. His work emphasizes innate cognitive mechanisms underlying language acquisition and shifted the field's focus from observable behavior to mental systems governing linguistic ability. Chomsky joined the University of Arizona in fall 2017 as laureate professor of linguistics while maintaining his emeritus position at MIT.
Chomsky was married to Carol Doris Schatz from 1949 until her death in 2008. They had three children: Aviva (b. 1957), Diane (b. 1960), and Harry (b. 1967). In 2014, Chomsky married Valeria Wasserman, a Brazilian translator for the Institute for Advanced Studies at the University of São Paulo. The couple has owned a home in Brazil since 2015.
The relationship with Epstein became public in 2023 when the Wall Street Journal reported on meetings between Chomsky and Epstein documented in Epstein's private calendar. The WSJ reported that Epstein directed $270,000 in wire transfers to Chomsky in March and May 2018. Additional emails released in February 2026 by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform revealed hundreds of communications showing deeper ties than previously known. Valeria Chomsky issued a statement acknowledging "serious errors in judgment" and stating they were "careless in not thoroughly researching his background." She noted that Chomsky, who suffered a massive stroke in 2023, shared this regret before his stroke.
Correspondence with Epstein#
The archive documents intensive correspondence between March 2012 and April 2019, with Chomsky appearing as sender in 2,821 emails and as recipient in 4,204 emails. In an undated letter of support written between 2017 and 2019 (based on Chomsky's title as "Laureate Professor, U. of Arizona"), Chomsky states "I met Jeffrey Epstein half a dozen years ago", which would place the initial meeting around 2012-2013 if the letter was written in 2018. The first documented meeting in the archive is June 4, 2015. According to Valeria Chomsky's later statement, Chomsky was unaware of the details of Epstein's 2008 conviction when the relationship began.
Academic and Intellectual Exchanges
The early correspondence focused on linguistics, neuroscience, and political topics. Epstein wrote to Chomsky in June 2015: "you are of course welcome to use apt in new york with your new leisure time, or visit new Mexico again". In July 2015, Chomsky wrote to Epstein: "There are lots of people whom I like a lot and whose work I respect", adding "I rarely meet people just to talk about interesting topics and to schmooze. Too busy. It's been a pleasant and unusual break with you".
The correspondence reveals substantive discussions on linguistics theory. In June 2015, Epstein proposed to Chomsky that "language can be defined as the biological organizing principle that creates a shape space". Chomsky responded with detailed critiques of probabilistic approaches to language, noting "What you suggest is very much the model that has been current in the behavioral sciences for many years. It has a record of colossal failure".
Epstein also facilitated political discussions for Chomsky. In the undated letter of support, Chomsky wrote that "Once, when we were discussing the Oslo agreements, Jeffrey picked up the phone and called the Norwegian diplomat who supervised them, leading to a lively interchange". Epstein arranged a meeting between Chomsky and former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Chomsky later told reporters he took the meeting to gain "a firsthand account of why talks between Israel and Palestine had failed." In the letter of support, Chomsky wrote: "Jeffrey arranged a meeting with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, whose record I had studied carefully and written about. We have our disagreements, but had a very fruitful discussion about a number of controversial matters, including one that was of particular interest to me: the Taba negotiations of January 2001, in the framework of President Clinton's 'parameters,' events that remain obscure and controversial because the diplomatic record is still mostly secret. Barak's discussion of the background was illuminating, also surprising in some ways". Epstein's October 2015 schedule shows Barak was a regular visitor to Epstein's properties, with appointments on October 14 and 15, 2015, and a planned return November 24.
Epstein also solicited recommendations from Chomsky for other academics to meet. In July 2015, Epstein asked Chomsky "besides berwick is there anyone else on the jeffrey must see list... which type of people would you find the most fun to meet and schmooze?". Chomsky responded with names of several prominent academics: Randy Gallistel (Rutgers), Norbert Hornstein and Paul Pietroski (Maryland), and Gennaro Chierchia (Harvard).
Financial Transactions and Escrow Arrangements
Financial records in the archive reveal that Chomsky's balance sheet, prepared by Epstein's team, listed total assets of $8.3 million and net worth of $7.1 million as of an undocumented date between 2017-2019. Assets included IRA accounts ($2.4M and $416K), real estate including a Cambridge apartment valued at $1.1M and Wellfleet property at $900K, and Carol Chomsky marital trusts totaling approximately $3M. Significantly, the balance sheet shows "Settlement Funds in DKI Escrow: $267,500" listed as a Chomsky asset. "DKI" refers to Darren K. Indyke, Epstein's personal attorney.
Deutsche Bank records show that the Darren Indyke PLLC Attorney Trust Account was opened on February 27, 2018, described as "Money market account for client's escrow. Funds are placed here to earn interest". The $267,500 figure is extremely close to the Wall Street Journal's reported $270,000 in wire transfers to Chomsky in March and May 2018, strongly suggesting these funds passed through Indyke's attorney trust account. The nature of these funds — whether they represented Epstein's money being held for the Chomskys' benefit as part of the family trust settlement, or represented payments from Epstein to Chomsky for other purposes — is not entirely clear from the archive, though listing them as a Chomsky asset suggests they were held for the Chomskys' benefit.
Financial Consulting and Family Trust Disputes
A substantial portion of the correspondence concerns complex family disputes over estate planning and trust administration. After Chomsky's first wife Carol died in 2008, trusts were established for their children and grandchildren. Conflicts arose after Chomsky's 2014 marriage to Valeria regarding control of a marital trust and distributions from Chomsky's IRA.
The archive reveals that the dispute centered on multiple contentious issues: (1) Chomsky's intellectual property rights, which the children believed had "great value" but which had never been fully appraised — the "valuation on the IP was he said started but never finished"; (2) the Cambridge apartment loan from Carol's trust with unclear interest terms; (3) alleged excessive spending by Valeria from accounts — Epstein's advisor Max Kohlenberg reported that the children "reitereated a number of times that the expenses and paymnets that valeria had been making were the causes of the distress"; and (4) Chomsky's estate plan to leave everything to Valeria rather than the children.
A draft letter from Chomsky to his children reveals the financial pressures the family faced: Bainco (the trust administrator) was paying out half of IRA withdrawals as distributions to the family, and after required minimum distributions, taxes, and family distributions, almost nothing remained for living expenses. Chomsky wrote that "In the manner that things were being handled, in two or three years the IRA would be exhausted", and expressed that "providing for Valeria after my death is a serious concern". The children's argument, as relayed by Kohlenberg, was that "in a divorce carol would have received some money, therefore the money in the trust was really partially hers alone > and that she gave instructions that it be for Noams benefit.. and technically not valerias".
By 2017-2019, the Chomskys were consulting Epstein regularly on these matters. In September 2017, Valeria wrote to Epstein: "N wants to send the letter below to his children. Suggestions?", seeking Epstein's input on correspondence addressing financial disputes. Valeria developed a significant independent advisory relationship with Epstein, consulting him on lawyer choices, sending detailed financial records including "Bank of America withdrawals for tax payments from 2014 to 2016" with check-by-check documentation, and seeking his strategic advice before Noam sent letters to the children. In January 2019, Valeria wrote to Epstein directly about hiring new legal counsel: "This is the new lawyer, we were considering to hire to represent us, because she practices in both States MA and AZ. It seems to be one of Max's friends. What now?".
In February 2018, Valeria forwarded Epstein details of trust disputes, and Epstein replied: "awful. why take carols trust off the table. the plan was in the making for quite a while it seems". Epstein strategically advised Chomsky to "hold off, putting in writing his position until more of the facts are known... I make a point not to push too hard. as it is easy for them to withhold the infor that will be damaging.. slowly slowly".
Valeria also reported to Epstein about concerning behavior from Harry Chomsky. In April 2019, she wrote: "After Noam's birthday party, when the children and some of the grandchildren came, we have been receiving a lot of correspondence/adds from assisted living places in Tucson area, but in Harry's name. I wonder why he has been looking into assisted living places in Tucson" — implying Harry may have been investigating whether Noam needed protective care.
Correspondence from Diana Chomsky shows the children's perspective: "we really need the experts present too because we just don't have the legal or financial know-how". They felt outmatched in the financial negotiations.
Through March and April 2019, the correspondence intensified around court proceedings and mediations. Epstein checked in repeatedly: "what happened in court? did you need to go?" and "update re harry and court?". The Chomskys kept Epstein informed about developments with their lawyer Vincent Pisegna and mediator. Noam wrote: "He's talking to Madoff, the mediator, Monday. Max's lawyer is working with Vincent to solve this expeditiously".
Role of Darren Indyke: Conflicts of Interest
The archive reveals that Darren Indyke, Epstein's personal attorney, played multiple overlapping roles that created profound conflicts of interest. Indyke simultaneously served as: (1) Epstein's personal attorney and estate executor; (2) drafter of comprehensive release agreements for the Chomsky family dispute; (3) drafter of the Gratitude America consulting agreement that paid Chomsky $20,000; and (4) custodian of the $267,500 in escrow funds listed as Chomsky assets in his Deutsche Bank attorney trust account.
In February 2019, Epstein forwarded the Chomskys a draft release agreement from Indyke, noting "i would modify the, 'what you left as part of your estate? ip etc if that is your wish". The draft release included provisions requiring releases from Chomsky's children "in an individual capacity, as trustee and for and on behalf of the Trust," specific reference to "claims under the Arizona financial exploitation of elders statute", and a provision making clear that "Noam has executed estate docs and implemented a state plan that provides for Valeria receiving everything". The reference to Arizona's financial exploitation of elders statute suggests the children may have been considering legal action against Valeria under this statute.
There is no evidence in the archive that the Chomskys had independent legal counsel reviewing their dealings with Epstein himself or the agreements drafted by Epstein's attorney on their behalf. This is an extraordinary conflict of interest: Epstein's personal attorney was drafting settlement documents that would resolve disputes involving the very same family members whose trust issues Epstein had been advising on, while simultaneously holding hundreds of thousands of dollars in escrow funds for the Chomskys and administering payments to them from Epstein's foundation.
Epstein's Suggestion for a Competency Video
In the same February 23, 2019 email exchange in which Chomsky provided media advice to Epstein, Epstein made a striking suggestion regarding the family trust dispute. Epstein wrote: "you can do a video, doctor or lawyer by your side... stating that you are fully competent... intend to leave your estate to valeria... minus some ip. (not sure you should leave them any of it now)... to protect valeria against arizona laws being used against her by your children". This advice came in the context of potential invocation of Arizona's financial exploitation of elders statute.
Chomsky agreed to the suggestion, responding "First, on your suggestion about us, I think it's a good idea -- in fact I had agreed to it a long time ago". The same email then transitioned seamlessly into Chomsky's advice on Epstein's media crisis: "Second, the horrible way you are being treated...". This exchange reveals the quid pro quo nature of their relationship: Epstein advised on the Chomskys' family legal strategy while simultaneously receiving PR counsel branded as coming from one of the world's most prominent intellectuals.
Advice on Media Strategy
In February 2019, as the Miami Herald's investigative series on Epstein intensified public scrutiny, Epstein sought Chomsky's counsel on crisis management. Epstein wrote: "Noam. I d love your advice on how I handle my putrid press. its is spiraling out of control. do I have someone write an oped? defend myself? or try to ignore. realizing that mobs are dangerous".
Chomsky responded at length on February 23, 2019: "Have been thinking about your letter ever since I received it this morning -- in fact, long before. Awful situation is always on my mind". He advised: "I've watched the horrible way you are being treated in the press and public. It's painful to say, but I think the best way to proceed is to ignore it". Chomsky continued: "That's particularly true now with the hysteria that has developed about abuse of women, which has reached the point that even questioning a charge is a crime worse than murder". He warned that responding publicly would "provide a public opening for an onslaught of venomous attacks, many from just publicity seekers or cranks of all sorts -- which are impossible to answer (how do you prove that you are not a neo-Nazi who wants to kill the Jews, or a rapist, or whatever charge comes along?)".
Significantly, Chomsky also referenced other sexual misconduct cases in his social circle, writing "And to a much lesser degree, Lawrence too and other cases that I know about" — an apparent reference to Lawrence Krauss, who was accused of sexual misconduct and investigated by Arizona State University. This shows Chomsky was aware of sexual misconduct allegations against others in Epstein's network and characterized them sympathetically as part of broader "hysteria."
Within two days, Epstein forwarded Chomsky's entire advice email verbatim to his publicist Matthew Hiltzik under the subject line "Thoughts from Chomsky", using Chomsky's intellectual authority as endorsement for a crisis management strategy. Hiltzik responded: "I think that is wise". Epstein asked for confirmation: "so stay low?".
In March 2019, Epstein shared with Chomsky a link to a New York Times letter defending him. Chomsky replied: "Excellent letter. Hope that puts an end to this insanity".
The archive shows that as early as February 2019, Chomsky was coaching Epstein on media strategy. He was aware that their relationship could become a public relations problem. This occurred more than four years before the Wall Street Journal's May 2023 reporting would in fact make the relationship a major news story. The archive covers through April 2019 and therefore cannot address Chomsky's post-2019 media responses, including his initial denial and subsequent acknowledgment of the relationship's extent.
Gratitude America Foundation Consulting Agreement
In February 2017, Epstein arranged for Chomsky to receive $20,000 from the Gratitude America Foundation to serve as a consultant and advisory board member. Deutsche Bank records confirm that Jeffrey Epstein was the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) of Gratitude America, Ltd., making it an Epstein-controlled entity. The foundation had both a NOW checking account and Money Market account opened March 3, 2015, with Epstein and Darren Indyke as signatories.
The email thread shows the payment was coordinated by Epstein's financial manager Richard Kahn. On February 25, 2017, Valeria sent "Bank details" to Epstein. On February 26, 2017, Epstein initially instructed Kahn: "10k to her 3 to Johanna and 30k from foundation to Chomsky". The "10k to her" likely refers to a separate $10,000 payment to Valeria, suggesting she received her own payment alongside Noam's consulting arrangement. Kahn asked to confirm "30k to Noam Chomsky is consulting from Gratitude", but Epstein corrected to "20 k from foundation for adminstereing the chomsky challenge in linguistics", reducing the amount from the initially proposed $30,000.
The consulting agreement, drafted by Darren Indyke and described as Indyke's "standard Consulting Agreement" (suggesting others received similar arrangements), required Chomsky to "formulate the areas of inquiry, questions, rules and procedures for, and plan, publicize and administer, a program of not less than ten (10) scientific challenges in the Specified Discipline, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence language and/or artificial linguistics".
Critically, Section 2(b) of the agreement required Chomsky to "Seek out, identify, investigate, evaluate and recommend professionals who are key players in the Specified Discipline", and Section 2(c) required him to "Arrange for and organize informal meetings between one or more individual members of the Board of Directors of the Foundation and such professionals". This means the very act of providing Epstein with the "jeffrey must see list" of prominent academics was a contractual obligation — Epstein was paying Chomsky $20,000 specifically to help him access and gain credibility within the academic world.
Letter of Support for Epstein
The undated letter of support, written on University of Arizona letterhead between 2017 and 2019, served as a formal character reference for Epstein. The letter is addressed "To whom it may concern" and functions as an academic endorsement of Epstein's intellectual credentials. Chomsky wrote: "I met Jeffrey Epstein half a dozen years ago... He quickly became a highly valued friend and regular source of intellectual exchange and stimulation". Chomsky praised Epstein's "limitless curiosity, extensive knowledge, penetrating insights, and thoughtful appraisals".
The letter emphasizes meetings Epstein arranged with "leading figures in the sciences and mathematics, and global politics", lending Epstein legitimacy by association with Chomsky's own academic stature. Chomsky described specific facilitated conversations, including the call to the Norwegian diplomat about Oslo agreements and the meeting with Ehud Barak about the Taba negotiations. The letter concludes by praising the intellectual value of these interactions while making no reference to Epstein's criminal history or the controversy surrounding him.
The letter's existence demonstrates that Chomsky was willing to provide formal written endorsement of Epstein's character and intellectual standing, which could be used by Epstein in any context where such a reference might be valuable — whether in business dealings, social settings, or reputation management.
Connection to Steve Bannon#
The archive reveals a substantially more extensive relationship between Chomsky and Steve Bannon than a single 2019 meeting, spanning at least ten months from May 2018 through February 2019.
Initial Contact and Missed Meeting (May 2018)
On May 13-14, 2018, Chomsky emailed Bannon: "Jeffrey gave me your address. My wife Valeria and I were quite disappointed to have missed you the other night, and hope that we can arrange something else before too long. Lots to talk about". Bannon replied: "Agree. Would love to connect". The phrase "missed you the other night" suggests an even earlier near-meeting, possibly in spring 2018, that the Chomskys had attempted to attend.
Chomsky subsequently invited Bannon to Arizona: "Do you ever make it to Arizona? Where we're living now? Tucson". Bannon responded: "My brother lives in Tucson, I love it, one of my favorite places in the country". Chomsky replied: "Great. Let us know when you're around and have some free time".
Epstein's Role as Political Connector
The correspondence shows Epstein serving as connector between Chomsky and Bannon and facilitating access to other political figures. In June 2018, Epstein told Bannon: "I'll organize Ellsberg when we're both back" — planning to arrange a meeting with Daniel Ellsberg, the Pentagon Papers whistleblower. Epstein also privately advised Bannon on geopolitical strategy: "you should consider suggesting to your new friend in ME... to do something that shows humility to the public... visit the king during ramadan etc. or kuwait emir" — giving Bannon advice about a Middle Eastern contact.
Planned October 2018 Arizona Visit
On October 6, 2018, Epstein wrote: "Noam, Steve Bannon, who is copied on this email and I will come see you when you are back in arizona... should be fun. we want fresh eggs". Chomsky responded enthusiastically: "Great. We've been missing you -- and very much looking forward to meeting Steve. Back in a few days... And with 10 chickens and two roosters (who hate each other), no problem with eggs". The phrase "very much looking forward to meeting Steve" indicates genuine enthusiasm about connecting with Bannon.
Confirmed February 2019 Tucson Meeting
On February 9, 2019, Epstein proposed: "steve bannon is in tucson, if you guys would like to meet tomoorw?". The meeting was confirmed for February 10, 2019, at 4pm at the Chomskys' Tucson home. Valeria wrote to Bannon: "Jeffrey is a very dear friend, and we look forward to meeting you. Would it be possible for you to come to our place at 4pm tomorrow?". Her description of Epstein as "a very dear friend" to Bannon demonstrates the warmth and depth of the Chomskys' feelings toward Epstein by early 2019.
Epstein commented to Bannon about the Chomsky residence: "How cool - its a very small house with chickens in the back yard - seriously", conveying the informal, domestic nature of the planned meeting.
The Bannon connection reveals Chomsky's willingness to engage with political figures across the ideological spectrum when facilitated by Epstein, and shows Epstein positioning himself as a broker between prominent intellectuals and powerful political operators. The relationship spanned multiple attempted and confirmed meetings over nearly a year, contradicting any characterization of a single casual introduction.
Connections#
Chomsky's primary correspondent in the archive was Jeffrey Epstein himself, with over 4,000 shared emails. Valeria Chomsky appeared in 1,765 emails, often as an intermediary coordinating meetings and as an independent advisor to Epstein on the family trust disputes, describing Epstein as "a very dear friend" in correspondence with Steve Bannon. She corresponded directly with Epstein about financial strategy, lawyer selection, and trust negotiations, often consulting him before Noam communicated with the children.
Epstein's assistant Lesley Groff scheduled multiple meetings between Chomsky and Epstein, writing in May 2015: "Jeffrey is considering a trip to Harvard on June 2nd...might Noam have some time to visit with him in the afternoon?". Valeria responded: "We definitely have to arrange that. I am very enthusiastic about these meetings".
Chomsky corresponded extensively with Lawrence Krauss, the physicist who directed Arizona State University's Origins Project, which received funding from Epstein. In September 2015, the three discussed a dialogue between Chomsky and Krauss that would be edited into a volume. Krauss wrote: "Jeffrey told me about your interesting meeting the other day.. wish I could have been there to listen", showing Epstein was sharing details of his meetings with Chomsky to other academics in his network. Krauss invited Chomsky to an Origins workshop on "Mental Pattern Processing" scheduled for March 11-13, 2016, offering to "cover all the expenses" and stating "We could even give you an honorarium if you wanted to spend more than a few days here relaxing and writing". Whether this funding derived from Epstein's donations to the Origins Project is not explicitly stated but is implied by Krauss's close coordination with Epstein. Chomsky later referenced Krauss when advising Epstein on media strategy, writing "And to a much lesser degree, Lawrence too" — acknowledging awareness of sexual misconduct allegations against Krauss.
Academic Network
The archive documents Chomsky's connections to multiple scientists and mathematicians in Epstein's orbit. Martin Nowak, director of Harvard's Program for Evolutionary Dynamics (which received substantial Epstein funding), appears in numerous meetings with Chomsky and Epstein. On June 4, 2015, the schedule shows lunch with "Martin, Nown, Valeria, Joi Ito, Danny Hillis, Joscha Bach" followed by dinner "w/Martin and Noam at the Institute" — likely referring to Nowak's Program for Evolutionary Dynamics. An October 16, 2015 schedule shows another "6:00pm DINNER w Martin and Noam at the Institute" following meetings earlier that day with Joscha Bach, George Church, and Martin Nowak, with a note to "Confirm Martin Nowak's Institute."
Joi Ito, former director of MIT Media Lab (who resigned in 2019 over his Epstein ties), appears at the June 4, 2015 lunch. Danny Hillis, computer scientist and entrepreneur, attended both the June 2015 lunch and appears in other Epstein schedules. George Church, Harvard geneticist, met with Epstein on June 4, 2015 ("4:00pm Appointment with George Church at Harvard Medical School") and appears in multiple other meetings in Epstein's circle.
Family and Legal Contacts
Chomsky's interactions extended to Max Kohlenberg, who served as an intermediary between Epstein and the Chomsky children, relaying that the children believed Chomsky's "intellectual property has great value" and reporting on their concerns about Valeria's spending. Chomsky's son Harry Chomsky and daughters Diana and Avi appear in the context of family trust disputes, with Diana writing that "we really need the experts present too because we just don't have the legal or financial know-how".
His estate attorney Deborah Pechet Quinan and Arizona lawyer Vincent Pisegna appeared in hundreds of emails coordinating legal strategy for the trust disputes. Rich Kahn, Epstein's financial manager, facilitated the Gratitude America consulting arrangement and coordinated the $20,000 payment (initially proposed as $30,000). Darren Indyke, Epstein's personal attorney, simultaneously drafted the consulting agreement, held $267,500 in settlement funds in his attorney trust account, and drafted the family release agreements addressing Arizona's financial exploitation of elders statute.
Political Connections
Beyond Steve Bannon, Chomsky had connections to other political figures in Epstein's network. The letter of support mentions the facilitated call with a Norwegian diplomat about the Oslo agreements. Ehud Barak, former Israeli Prime Minister, met with Chomsky through Epstein's arrangement to discuss the Taba negotiations. Epstein planned to "organize Ellsberg" (Daniel Ellsberg) for meetings with Bannon, though whether this meeting occurred is not documented in the archive.
Document References#
Chomsky appears in twenty DOJ-released documents. The undated letter of support shows Chomsky praising Epstein's "limitless curiosity, extensive knowledge, penetrating insights and thoughtful appraisals", stating Epstein "quickly became a highly valued friend and regular source of intellectual exchange and stimulation", and describing meetings with "leading figures in the sciences and mathematics, and global politics." The letter emphasizes the Barak meeting's focus on the Taba negotiations and the facilitated call with the Norwegian diplomat.
The documents include extended email threads on linguistic theory, category theory and AI, Iranian nuclear policy, and religious fanaticism. Multiple documents show coordination between Epstein's staff and Chomsky's legal team regarding trust administration. Financial discrepancy investigations document Valeria seeking Epstein's analysis of missing IRA distributions. Documents also capture scheduling logistics for calls between Epstein's advisor Rich Kahn and Chomsky's attorney Max Kohlenberg regarding the family trust disputes.
Financial records show the Chomsky balance sheet listing $267,500 in "Settlement Funds in DKI Escrow" as an asset. Draft release agreements prepared by Indyke reference "claims under the Arizona financial exploitation of elders statute" and specify that "Noam has executed estate docs and implemented a state plan that provides for Valeria receiving everything." Bank records document the opening of Indyke's attorney trust account at Deutsche Bank on February 27, 2018, as well as confirming Jeffrey Epstein as the Ultimate Beneficial Owner of Gratitude America, Ltd.
The February 23, 2019 email contains Chomsky's media advice about "the hysteria that has developed about abuse of women" and his agreement to make a competency video. These elements demonstrate the quid pro quo nature of advice flowing in both directions. Epstein's forwarding of this advice to publicist Matthew Hiltzik under the subject "Thoughts from Chomsky" shows how Epstein leveraged Chomsky's intellectual authority for crisis management.
Documents from May-October 2018 and February 2019 show the extended relationship between Chomsky and Steve Bannon, including Chomsky writing there were "Lots to talk about" and being "very much looking forward to meeting Steve", and Valeria describing Epstein as "a very dear friend".
Visits to Epstein Properties#
Manhattan Townhouse
The archive documents multiple visits to Epstein's Manhattan residence at 9 East 71st Street:
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June 2, 2015 - Meeting arranged through Lesley Groff, with Valeria responding she was "very enthusiastic about these meetings"
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July 9, 2016 - Afternoon meeting at 2pm-3pm, confirmed by Valeria to Lesley Groff
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March 5, 2016 - Afternoon appointment per Epstein's schedule, following meetings with Martin Nowak, Danny Hillis, and Joi Ito
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October 3-6, 2015 - Extended multi-day visit to New York. Epstein's schedule shows "Reminder: Noam & Valeria Chomsky in NY Oct 3-6" with specific appointments including "1:00pm LUNCH w/Noam, Valeria Chomsky and Misha Gromov" (6 people total) on October 4, followed by "7:30pm DINNER w/Woody Allen & Soon Yi" (8 people total) the same day, and "10:30am Appt w/The Chomsky's" on October 5. This was a 3-4 day stay, not a single meeting.
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October 2015 - Visit with return travel arranged by Epstein's assistant, who offered to "hire a car service to take you to the airport"
Cambridge Area Meetings
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June 4, 2015 - Full-day engagement documented in Epstein's schedule. The schedule shows "11-12:30pm Appt w/Nown and Valeria Chomsky" followed by "12:30pm LUNCH w/Martin, Nown, Valeria, Joi Ito, Danny Hillis, Joscha Bach," then "4:00pm Appointment with George Church at Harvard Medical School," and later "6:00pm DINNER w/Martin and Noam at the Institute" (likely Martin Nowak's Program for Evolutionary Dynamics at Harvard). This represents a full day of separate morning appointment, lunch, and dinner sessions.
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March 23, 2015 - Dinner at 8:00pm with Martin Nowak, Joscha Bach, George Church and Jeffrey, per schedule, held at Charles Hotel in Cambridge
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October 16, 2015 - Cambridge visit including "6:00pm DINNER w Martin and Noam at the Institute" with meetings earlier that day with Joscha Bach, George Church, and Martin Nowak, and a note to "Confirm Martin Nowak's Institute"
Tucson, Arizona
February 10, 2019 - Confirmed meeting at the Chomskys' Tucson home at 4pm, with Steve Bannon attending. Valeria wrote to Bannon: "Jeffrey is a very dear friend, and we look forward to meeting you. Would it be possible for you to come to our place at 4pm tomorrow?". Epstein described the setting: "How cool - its a very small house with chickens in the back yard - seriously".
New Mexico Ranch
Epstein invited Chomsky to his Zorro Ranch in New Mexico in August 2015, writing "you are of course welcome to use apt in new york with your new leisure time, or visit new Mexico again". The phrasing "again" indicates at least one prior visit, though specific dates are not documented in the archive.
Little St. James Island
No visits to Epstein's private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands are documented in the available archive materials.
Palm Beach Residence
No visits to Epstein's Palm Beach estate are documented in the available archive materials.
Paris Apartment
No visits to Epstein's Paris residence are documented in the available archive materials.