Eric Responds to Report His Friend ‘Shaking Down’ Folks for Jobs in Trump Admin
Eric Trump has addressed recent allegations that Boris Epshteyn, a long-time advisor to President-elect Donald Trump, engaged in unethical practices by soliciting payments from individuals seeking positions in the upcoming administration.
According to a report in The New York Times, Trump’s legal team uncovered evidence suggesting that Epshteyn had requested significant retainer fees from potential appointees in exchange for his support. Among the allegations was a claim that Scott Bessent, Trump’s nominee for Treasury Secretary, was asked to pay $30,000 to $40,000 per month to secure Epshteyn’s backing. Bessent reportedly declined, opting to distance himself from further interactions.
The report also detailed an instance where Epshteyn approached a defense contractor, demanding $100,000 per month during the transition period. According to the investigation, Epshteyn allegedly portrayed himself as critical to the contractor’s prospects, creating a "do or die" scenario. Both individuals reportedly rejected Epshteyn’s advances, with one expressing fear of potential retaliation.
Eric Trump defended Epshteyn during an interview with Fox News’ Laura Ingraham, though he acknowledged the gravity of the accusations. "Listen, I’ve known Boris for years, and I’ve never known him to be anything but a good human being," Eric said. "That said, my father has been incredibly clear: You do not, under any circumstances, engage in such behavior. If these allegations are true, there will be repercussions.”
Eric added, “I certainly hope the reporting is false, but if it isn’t, the person involved will likely no longer be part of the administration.”
Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris has reportedly been discussing her political future after her loss to President-elect Donald Trump in the recent election. According to insiders, Harris is considering a 2028 presidential campaign or potentially running for governor of California in 2026. The news has sparked mixed reactions within the Democratic Party.
During an appearance on Newsmax, Democratic strategist Theryn Bond urged Harris to reconsider any future presidential ambitions. “Not to run for president again in 2028, please don’t,” Bond said. She added that Harris might find better prospects in California but questioned her chances on the national stage. “If she relies on the same advisers from this cycle, that’s not who I would listen to,” Bond cautioned.
Republican strategist Luke Ball echoed similar sentiments, suggesting Harris’ political viability may be limited to her home state. “In California, she might have a shot, but elsewhere, it’s unlikely,” he said. Ball also criticized the Democratic Party’s campaign strategy, citing excessive spending on celebrity endorsements rather than grassroots efforts.
The Democratic National Committee has faced scrutiny for campaign mismanagement, including reports of lavish expenditures on non-essential items, which contributed to Harris’ campaign debt of up to $20 million despite raising nearly $1 billion. President-elect Trump mockingly commented on the issue via X (formerly Twitter), offering sarcastic support: “Now they are being squeezed by vendors and others. Whatever we can do to help them during this difficult period, I would strongly recommend we do—for UNITY, of course.”
Despite Harris’ significant fundraising advantage, voters ultimately gave Trump a decisive victory, both in the Electoral College and the popular vote, signaling strong support for his leadership as he prepares to take office.