U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack communicated with Jeffrey Epstein through at least 2017, sharing emails and text messages and organizing private meetings, according to the latest Epstein files release.
In one July 2016 email exchange, Epstein introduced Barrack — the founder Colony Capital, an investment firm, and a longtime friend and fundraiser for President Trump — to Palantir Chairman Peter Thiel, who replied, “Who is that?”
Epstein later wrote, “solid, great real estate judgement,” adding that Barrack was a fundraiser for Mr. Trump.
In another correspondence on Aug. 31, 2016, Epstein wrote to Thiel: “Tom Barrack really liked you, he told me the conversation in the green room.”
And in one text message exchange on Aug. 28, 2016, Barrack wrote to Epstein that he had met his “Saudi friend,” though not clarifying who that person was.
“He loves u!! How r u– Tom Barrack,” the text followed.
Epstein responded, “Great,” and asked if Barrack could join him for dinner in New York that night. He also urged Barrack to download Signal, the encrypted messaging application.
“I am in turkey. There Monday. I will call u. Will download now,” Barrack responded.
“Let’s catch up,” Barrack wrote in response to a March 9, 2016, email by Epstein in which he expressed frustration about reporters contacting him.
Epstein followed up and said, “send photos of you and child. — make me smile.”
A personalized schedule for August 2016 shows that Barrack, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, and Russian diplomat Vitaly Churkin were scheduled to have dinner with Epstein.
“Don’t know if you have any interest . Ehud Barak and TOM Barrack at house tomorw .You are always welcome,” Epstein wrote to Vitaly Churkin in a group chat on August 28, 2016.
A March 15, 2017, email shows that Epstein contacted Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and someone named Larry Cohen, and encouraged them to meet Barrack.
“To increase the likelihood of you getting meaningful traction , i suggest you meet TOM barrack in D.C.,” Epstein wrote.
On July 2, 2017, Epstein asked his opinion about hiring a new architecture firm for his new island.
“How’s love life,” he added.
CBS News has reached out to the State Department for comment.