50 Facts About Boris Epshteyn

Early Life and Education

Boris Epshteyn's journey began in Moscow, Soviet Union, where he was born into a Russian Jewish family. His early years and education set the stage for his future endeavors.

1. Born in Moscow, Soviet Union, in 1981 to a Russian Jewish family.
2. Immigrated to the United States in 1993 as refugees under the Lautenberg amendment of 1990.
3. Graduated from West Windsor-Plainsboro High School in 2000.
4. Attended Swarthmore College for one year before transferring to Georgetown University.
5. Graduated from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service with a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS) degree in 2004.
6. Earned a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 2007.
7. Joined the Eta Sigma chapter of the Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) fraternity during his time at Georgetown.

Career in Law and Investment Banking

Epshteyn's professional journey is marked by significant roles in law and investment banking, showcasing his diverse skill set.

8. After law school, joined the finance practice of Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy.
9. Worked on securities transactions, private placements, and bank finance.
10. Served as managing director of business and legal affairs at West America Securities Corporation until 2013.
11. From 2013 to 2017, was the managing director of business and legal affairs for TGP Securities.
12. Moderated a panel at the investment conference "Invest in Moscow!" in October 2013, which included Moscow city government officials.

Political Involvement and Campaign Roles

Epshteyn's political career includes significant roles in multiple presidential campaigns and within the Trump administration.

13. In 2008, served as a communications aide with the McCain-Palin campaign.
14. Part of a rapid response task force focused on issues related to vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin.
15. Co-hosted the Trump Campaign Facebook Live coverage before and after the final presidential debate in 2016.
16. Anchored "Trump Tower Live," the Trump campaign's Facebook Live nightly program.
17. During the 2020 U.S. presidential campaign, acted as a senior advisor to the Trump campaign.
18. Named director of communications for the Presidential Inaugural Committee following Trump’s election.
19. Served as assistant communications director for surrogate operations in the White House Office until March 2017.

Media and Public Perception

Epshteyn's media presence and public perception have been subjects of both praise and criticism.

20. Chief political commentator at Sinclair Broadcast Group until December 2019.
21. Hosted “Bottom Line with Boris” segments across Sinclair’s platforms.
22. Made over one thousand appearances on various media outlets (TV, radio, print).
23. Criticized by Media Matters for America in September 2016 for failing to disclose financial ties to the former Soviet Union.
24. Described by some political commentators as often acting in a rude, condescending manner toward show staffers.
25. Joy Reid, an MSNBC show host, stated that Epshteyn is “abrasive. That is who he is both on the air and off.”

Legal Challenges and Controversies

Epshteyn has faced several legal challenges and controversies throughout his career, particularly related to his political activities.

26. Indicted in Arizona in April 2024 for his alleged role in the fake elector plot for the state.
27. Member of a team of Trump lawyers who sought to prevent the certification of Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election.
28. Involved in an internal conflict within President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team over allegations of financial misconduct.
29. House Intelligence Committee sent him a request for information in its investigation of Russian efforts to influence the 2016 election.
30. Denied any wrongdoing related to Russian influence in the 2016 election.

Personal Life and Heritage

Despite his professional achievements, Epshteyn's personal life and heritage have also been points of interest.

31. Despite his Jewish heritage and descent from Holocaust survivors, authored President Trump’s Holocaust Remembrance Day statement that made no mention of Jews.
32. Currently the President of Georgetown Advisory, reflecting his extensive experience in strategic advising and communications.
33. Met Eric Trump while attending Georgetown University, underscoring his early involvement in Republican politics.
34. His family’s immigration to the United States in 1993 was under the Lautenberg amendment, which allowed for the resettlement of Soviet Jews.

Professional Achievements and Roles

Epshteyn's professional achievements span various fields, from law and finance to political strategy and media commentary.

35. Partner at a boutique investment bank specializing in private equity and venture capital transactions.
36. Licensed attorney with expertise in international law, finance, and securities.
37. Planned, produced, and anchored the “Trump Tower Live” program on the Facebook Live platform.
38. Managed surrogate messaging, prepared and distributed talking points, and briefed then-candidate Donald Trump and then-candidate Mike Pence.
39. Held the position of Special Assistant to President Trump, managing strategy for media appearances by Trump Administration representatives.
40. Served as Assistant Communications Director for surrogate operations in the White House Office.

Connections to Russia and Investigations

Epshteyn's connections to Russia and subsequent investigations have been a significant aspect of his career.

41. Moderated a Russian-sponsored conference on “investment opportunities in Moscow” in October 2016.
42. The panel at the “Invest in Moscow!” conference included Sergey Cheremin, the head of Moscow’s foreign economic and international relations department.
43. His involvement in promoting investment opportunities in Moscow raised questions about potential conflicts of interest.
44. Confirmed that the House Intelligence Committee had sent him a request for information in its investigation of Russian efforts to influence the 2016 election.
45. Denied any wrongdoing related to Russian influence in the 2016 election.

Current Roles and Influence

Epshteyn continues to play a significant role in Republican politics and media, leveraging his extensive experience and connections.

46. Currently the President of Georgetown Advisory, reflecting his extensive experience in strategic advising and communications.
47. Strategic advisor on Donald Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign and remains a close advisor to Trump in his post-presidency.
48. Joined Sinclair Broadcasting Group in mid-April 2017 as a political analyst.
49. Hosted “Bottom Line with Boris” segments across Sinclair’s platforms, providing insight into various political and economic issues.
50. Continues to be a prominent strategist and commentator in the Republican party.

Boris Epshteyn: A Multifaceted Figure

Boris Epshteyn's journey from Moscow to the heart of American politics is nothing short of remarkable. With a background in law, finance, and political strategy, he's worn many hats. From his early days with the McCain-Palin campaign to his significant roles in the Trump administration, Epshteyn has been a key player. His involvement in the 2020 election and subsequent controversies, including the fake elector plot, highlight his complex and sometimes contentious career. Despite facing criticism and legal challenges, Epshteyn remains a prominent figure in Republican politics. His work with Sinclair Broadcast Group and his current role at Georgetown Advisory underscore his continued influence. Love him or hate him, Boris Epshteyn's impact on American politics is undeniable.