As outrage over the Jeffrey Epstein files continues to ripple through Washington, a new layer of scrutiny is falling on a powerful Democratic megadonor whose past ties to the convicted sex offender appear more extensive than previously acknowledged.
Reid Hoffman — billionaire LinkedIn co-founder and major Democratic financier — has donated tens of millions of dollars to liberal causes and candidates over the years. Among the beneficiaries are several high-profile Democrats who have been especially vocal in demanding transparency from the Trump administration over the handling of Epstein-related records, including Sen. Adam Schiff, Rep. Ro Khanna, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Sen. Jon Ossoff.
Newly released emails from the Department of Justice suggest Hoffman maintained contact with Epstein beyond the timeline he had previously described publicly.
Khanna, who co-sponsored legislation compelling the release of additional Epstein documents, has received $35,600 from Hoffman since 2011, including $7,000 in June 2025, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Khanna has argued that anyone who visited Epstein’s private island “needs to be investigated under oath.” He has not specifically addressed Hoffman’s documented visit.
Hoffman traveled to Epstein’s island in November 2014 with then–MIT Media Lab Director Joi Ito, according to travel records. Emails indicate he also planned to spend time at Epstein’s Manhattan residence. On a podcast in December, Hoffman said he stayed on the island because Ito suggested it would encourage Epstein to donate to MIT.
In 2019, Hoffman told Axios that his last interaction with Epstein was in 2015. However, he acknowledged earlier this year that calendar records revealed additional fundraising meetings in 2016 and 2018. “I was mistaken,” Hoffman wrote on X, adding that he would continue reviewing his records.
The emails also show Hoffman introducing Epstein to Mark Zuckerberg via email in 2015, hosting a dinner attended by Epstein in Palo Alto, and exchanging gifts. In one 2014 message, Hoffman referenced sending ice cream to Epstein’s New York address “or else for the girls.” In a January 2015 email, he offered help with Epstein’s online public relations challenges as media scrutiny intensified.
Hoffman has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing. He maintains his interactions were tied to fundraising efforts for MIT and has said he regrets contributing to efforts that may have helped rehabilitate Epstein’s reputation.
Jeffries’ campaign and affiliated PACs have received hundreds of thousands of dollars from Hoffman. Schiff has received $16,900 since 2023, while Ossoff accepted over $10,000 in recent years. None of the lawmakers’ offices responded to requests for comment about the donations.
The political tension is heightened by continued disputes over the Epstein files. After Attorney General Pam Bondi initially suggested in early 2025 that a “client list” existed, subsequent DOJ and FBI memos stated there was no evidence of such a list and no proof Epstein was murdered. Congress later passed legislation compelling further disclosures.
Meanwhile, President Trump has publicly called for investigations into Hoffman and other prominent figures with past ties to Epstein.
