WEF President Steps Down Amid Epstein Scandal Fallout
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has been rocked by another high-profile resignation linked to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. President Borge Brende has officially stepped down from his leadership position following revelations about his past associations with the convicted sex offender.
Justice Department Disclosures Prompt Immediate Action
This dramatic development comes directly from disclosures made by the United States Justice Department, which documented that Brende participated in three separate business dinners with Jeffrey Epstein. These meetings occurred during Epstein's period of notoriety, raising serious questions about judgment and association standards among global leadership figures.
The World Economic Forum, known for its annual gathering of world leaders, billionaires, and influential figures in Davos, Switzerland, now faces renewed scrutiny about its internal vetting processes and ethical standards. Brende's resignation marks a significant moment for the organization as it attempts to distance itself from the ongoing Epstein scandal fallout.
Timeline of Events and Organizational Response
Key developments in this unfolding story include:
- Justice Department documents revealing three confirmed business dinners between Brende and Epstein
- Immediate organizational review by WEF leadership following the disclosures
- Brende's voluntary resignation announcement on February 26, 2026
- Official WEF statements emphasizing commitment to ethical leadership standards
The resignation was confirmed on February 26, 2026, at 11:51 IST, marking a swift organizational response to the damaging revelations. Brende, who had served as WEF President since 2017, was previously Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Trade and Industry, bringing substantial diplomatic and economic experience to his WEF role.
Broader Implications for Global Leadership
This incident represents the latest in a series of Epstein-related controversies affecting prominent figures across business, politics, and academia. The WEF, which positions itself as an organization dedicated to improving global cooperation and ethical leadership, now faces challenging questions about how such associations went unaddressed for years.
The organization has emphasized its commitment to transparency and ethical standards in the wake of these revelations, but critics argue this case highlights systemic issues in how powerful institutions handle problematic associations among their leadership.
As the World Economic Forum begins its search for new leadership, the global community will be watching closely to see how the organization addresses these ethical challenges and rebuilds trust with its stakeholders and the public.
