FBI memo alleges unverified claims of Israeli influence over Trump and Epstein's intelligence links
An unclassified 2020 FBI memo contains unverified allegations by a confidential source claiming Donald Trump was compromised by Israel, Jared Kushner directed presidential decisions, and Jeffrey Epstein had ties to intelligence networks.
- A 2020 FBI memo cites a confidential source’s unverified claim that Donald Trump was compromised by Israel during his presidency.
- Jared Kushner is described as the real strategist behind Trump’s administration and is linked to the Chabad-Lubavitch movement.
- The source alleges Jeffrey Epstein had ties to Mossad and US intelligence, but the FBI has not confirmed any of the claims.
An unclassified memo from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), released by the US Justice Department on 30 January 2026, outlines a series of explosive but unverified allegations concerning Donald Trump, Jared Kushner, Chabad-Lubavitch, and Jeffrey Epstein.
The document, dated 2020, was disclosed as part of a broader declassification initiative involving over three million pages from the Jeffrey Epstein files. The memo was based entirely on information provided by a confidential human source (CHS) and does not reflect corroborated findings or conclusions by the FBI.
Allegations of foreign influence over Trump
According to the source, former President Donald Trump was “compromised by Israel” during his first term. The claim suggests foreign influence may have shaped decision-making at the highest level of the US government.
The same source stated Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser, was “the real brains behind his organisation and his Presidency.” The memo provides no evidence to substantiate these statements, and the FBI explicitly notes that it did not confirm them.
Chabad-Lubavitch and political influence
The memo further reports that the source described the Chabad-Lubavitch movement—a prominent global Orthodox Jewish sect—as actively seeking influence within the Trump administration.
“Chabad is doing everything they can to co-opt the Trump presidency,” the memo quotes the source as saying. The source also described the movement as “state-sanctioned Judaism” used by Russian President Vladimir Putin to monitor Russian-Jewish oligarchs.
Chabad-Lubavitch operates thousands of religious and educational centres globally. It has not been accused by US authorities of political interference or espionage.
Kushner’s ties to Chabad
The memo adds that Kushner was a known supporter of Chabad. It references an alleged visit by Kushner and his wife Ivanka Trump to the gravesite of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson—a revered Chabad figure—on the day Trump was elected in 2016.
The visit is cited as symbolic of their close association with the movement, though no further context or confirmation is provided.
Epstein’s alleged intelligence links
The confidential source further claimed Jeffrey Epstein was “a co-opted Mossad Agent,” referencing Israeli intelligence. The assertion is based on the source’s interpretation of prior FBI materials and personal assessment.
Epstein, a convicted sex offender, was alleged to have connections with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, who previously held senior military intelligence positions. The memo cites a claim that Epstein was trained under Barak as a spy.
Public records confirm Barak visited Epstein’s New York residence between 2013 and 2017. Barak has denied any misconduct or intelligence ties related to Epstein.
Dershowitz and 2008 plea deal
Another reference in the memo involves Alan Dershowitz, Epstein’s former lawyer and a Harvard Law professor. The source claimed that during discussions over Epstein’s 2008 plea deal, then–US Attorney Alex Acosta was allegedly informed that Epstein “belonged to intelligence.”
The source further alleged Dershowitz had also been “co-opted by Mossad.” Dershowitz has consistently denied these allegations and has not been charged with any wrongdoing.
Trump property transaction scrutinised
The memo also describes a real estate transaction involving Trump: the purchase and later resale of a Beverly Hills mansion. The source claimed the purchase price was roughly US$800,000 below market value and the resale was at a loss, implying possible money laundering activity.
However, no evidence was provided, and the FBI did not confirm these claims or pursue any public charges related to this transaction.
No official conclusions
The memo repeatedly emphasises that the information is derived solely from a confidential source. It does not represent official FBI findings or conclusions.
The Justice Department’s release of the document underscores the sensitive nature of information collected during investigations, particularly when unverified.
As of now, there has been no indication that the FBI validated the claims regarding Trump, Kushner, Chabad-Lubavitch, or Epstein.
