Boris Epshteyn
Boris Epshteyn is an American political strategist and attorney who serves as the Senior Personal Counsel to President Donald Trump. Operating as one of the most powerful and permanent fixtures within the administration’s inner circle, he acts as Trump’s primary personal lawyer, legal “fixer,” and strategic advisor on both executive and private matters.
🏛️ Outsized Influence in Trump’s Second Term
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- The “Psychiatrist” & Fixer: Insiders and media outlets like Axios describe Epshteyn as a rare constant in Trump’s orbit, noting that he frequently attends Oval Office meetings or is kept on speakerphone without other attendees knowing.
- DOJ & Corporate Leverages: Working closely with Trump’s personal legal defense team, Epshteyn wields vast influence over the broader legal landscape. He negotiated controversial administration deals with major white-shoe law firms regarding pro bono quotas, which led to a legal standoff and eventual DOJ subpoenas.
- Trump Media Chair: In April 2026, expanding his private-sector reach for the president, Epshteyn was appointed to the board and installed as the Chairman of Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. (TMTG).
- Scrutiny Over Dismissed Cases: Senate Democrats have placed Epshteyn under heavy scrutiny, demanding that law firms disclose their communications with him. His name was central to a congressional inquiry in September 2026 following the DOJ’s sudden dismissal of bribery charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, who had reportedly engaged legal services adjacent to Trump’s network.
⚖️ Pay-to-Play Allegations & Election Fraud Cases
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- Cabinet Selection Backlash: During the presidential transition in late 2024, Trump’s legal team internally investigated allegations that Epshteyn had solicited monthly consulting fees of $30,000 to $40,000 from potential candidates in exchange for promoting them for cabinet positions. While Senate Democrats demanded full disclosure from nominees, Trump chose to retain Epshteyn as his top personal counsel.
- Arizona Elector Indictment: Epshteyn is a high-profile defendant in the state of Arizona, where he pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges stemming from his role in orchestrating the 2020 “fake elector” plot on behalf of Trump’s re-election campaign.
💼 Early Practice & Media Roles
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- Sinclair Broadcast Group: From 2017 to 2019, Epshteyn stepped out of the political sphere briefly to serve as the chief political analyst and commentator for the Sinclair Broadcast Group, producing pro-Trump commentary syndicated across hundreds of local TV stations.
- Campaign Legal Lead: He has been a veteran of Trump’s political apparatus since the 2016 campaign, later serving as the communications director for the 2017 Inaugural Committee.
🎓 Education & Personal Background
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- Immigration: Born in Moscow, Soviet Union, in 1982, Epshteyn immigrated to the United States as a refugee with his family in 1993.
- Academic Background: He earned both his undergraduate degree and his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University and is a licensed member of the New York State Bar.
