Epstein Files Expose Extensive Ties to Former Nobel Peace Prize Committee Head
Newly released documents from the Jeffrey Epstein case reveal that the late financier repeatedly highlighted his connections to Thorbjorn Jagland, the former head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, in communications with high-profile elites. These revelations have now led to serious legal consequences for Jagland in Norway.
Hundreds of Document References Lead to Criminal Charges
Thorbjorn Jagland, who chaired the Nobel Peace Prize committee from 2009 to 2015, appears hundreds of times within the millions of Epstein documents released by the U.S. Justice Department last month. Following this disclosure, Norwegian authorities have charged the 75-year-old with "aggravated corruption." The economic crime unit Okokrim is investigating whether Jagland received gifts, travel, or loans improperly connected to his official position.
Norwegian police conducted searches at Jagland's residence in Oslo on Thursday, along with two additional properties in the coastal town of Risor to the south and in Rauland to the west. Through his attorneys at the Elden law firm, Jagland has denied all charges and confirmed he was questioned by authorities.
Epstein's Strategic Name-Dropping to Elite Circles
While no direct evidence has emerged showing Epstein lobbied for the Nobel Peace Prize, the documents clearly demonstrate how he used his relationship with Jagland to cultivate influence. Epstein frequently mentioned hosting Jagland at his properties in New York and Paris during the 2010s when communicating with powerful figures.
In one particularly revealing text exchange from September 2018 with Steve Bannon, a top ally of President Donald Trump, Epstein wrote with informal grammar: "donalds head would explode if he knew you were now buds with the guy who on monday will decide the nobel peace prize." He added, "I told him next year it should be you when we settle China," though he provided no further explanation of this cryptic statement.
Documented Outreach to Business and Political Leaders
The Epstein files contain multiple instances where the financier promoted his connection to Jagland when reaching out to prominent individuals:
- In a 2013 email to British entrepreneur Richard Branson that mixed investment tips with personal notes, Epstein mentioned Jagland would be staying with him that September, suggesting "if you are there, you might find him interesting."
- In 2015, Epstein emailed Kathy Ruemmler, former White House counsel to President Barack Obama, with the invitation: "head of nobel peace prize coming to visit, want to join?"
- In 2012, Epstein wrote to former Treasury Secretary and Harvard University President Larry Summers about Jagland, stating: "head of the nobel peace prize staying with me, if you have any interest."
In his correspondence with Summers, Epstein described Jagland—who also served as Norwegian prime minister and head of the Council of Europe—as "not bright" but offering a "unique perspective."
Connection to Microsoft Founder Bill Gates
The documents also reveal communication between Epstein and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. In 2014, Epstein informed Gates about Jagland's re-election as head of the Council of Europe. Gates responded: "That is good. I guess his peace prize committee job is also up in the air?"
During Jagland's tenure as Nobel committee chair, the peace prize was awarded to Barack Obama in 2009 and to the European Union in 2012.
Norwegian Diplomat Connection and Additional Charges
Jagland was introduced to Epstein's circle by Terje Rod Larsen, a Norwegian diplomat instrumental in brokering the Oslo Peace Accords between Israel and the Palestinians. Larsen and his wife now face corruption charges in Norway as well, stemming from their association with the disgraced financier.
The extensive documentation reveals how Epstein systematically leveraged his connection to the former Nobel committee head to enhance his standing among global elites, while Norwegian authorities now pursue corruption charges based on information contained within these same files.
