The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle

'How is this the first time he's being questioned': Congress deposes key Epstein benefactor Les Wexner

Feb 19, 2026
Tim O'Brien, Trump biographer and political editor; Charles Coleman Jr., former NY prosecutor; John Della Volpe, Harvard polling director; and Philip Bump, political columnist. They discuss Les Wexner's congressional deposition and Epstein ties, timing and DOJ scrutiny, elite money trails and possible foreign links, Zuckerberg's trial and big tech accountability, and how these stories ripple through politics and young voters.
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INSIGHT

Wexner's Central Role In Epstein's Network

  • Les Wexner's ties to Jeffrey Epstein are central to understanding Epstein's wealth and network.
  • Charles Coleman Jr. calls it alarming that Wexner is only now being questioned by investigators.
INSIGHT

Access, Not Skill, Fueled Epstein's Fundraising

  • Epstein lacked market skill but obtained huge sums by selling access and perceived returns.
  • Tim O'Brien highlights greed, access and possible blackmail as motives behind investors' trust in Epstein.
INSIGHT

Widespread Distrust In Accountability

  • Public distrust is widespread about elites not being held accountable.
  • John Della Volpe notes supermajorities across parties believe the government is hiding information.
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