Emails recently released by the U.S. Department of Justice have unveiled connections between Congresswoman Diana DeGette and Barbro Ehnbom, who is alleged to have enabled the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The correspondence highlights disturbing interactions between Ehnbom and Epstein, including her offering a photograph of a “little blond girl” she believed would appeal to him, as well as recommending her “brainy and sensual” project manager as a potential partner. DeGette’s name surfaced in over a dozen emails exchanged between Epstein and Ehnbom from 2009 to 2016.
Despite the frequent mention of DeGette, there is no evidence that she ever communicated directly with Epstein. The emails, however, illuminate an extended relationship between DeGette and Ehnbom, who has been accused of using her professional roles to link Epstein to young women. Notably, Ehnbom repeatedly suggested meetings between DeGette and Epstein, at times soliciting financial support for DeGette’s political campaigns.
In a September 2012 email to Epstein, Ehnbom mentioned, “I am doing a small fund raiser for Diana DeGette of Colorado. She is smart and courageous… Will you help support this?” DeGette’s spokesperson, Jack Stelzner, asserted that the congresswoman had no knowledge of Ehnbom’s attempts to introduce her to Epstein. “Congresswoman DeGette never met Jeffrey Epstein,” Stelzner stated, adding that DeGette was unaware of any invitations sent by Ehnbom. Records from the Federal Election Commission confirm that Epstein did not contribute to DeGette’s campaigns, although Ehnbom did donate $1,500 to her in 2014.
DeGette expressed her commitment to transparency by supporting the Epstein Files Transparency Act in November 2022, which mandates the public release of related documents. Stelzner noted that the congresswoman continues to advocate for the complete disclosure of the Epstein files.
Ehnbom’s relationship with Epstein has attracted scrutiny, particularly in Sweden, where media outlets have reported on her connections to the convicted sex offender for several years. It was revealed that Epstein had funded her “Female Economist of the Year” scholarship at the Stockholm School of Economics. In 2022, it was reported that Ehnbom had facilitated meetings between scholarship winners and Epstein, with accounts indicating that young women were advised on how to dress for these encounters.
Ehnbom’s emails to Epstein reveal a troubling pattern. She often sent him photographs of female scholarship applicants, stating, “lots of charming beautiful interested candidates for FEOY – photos will come!” Epstein himself expressed a desire for a “wife” on multiple occasions, asking Ehnbom in October 2011, “Where is my Swedish wife?”
Following the latest release of documents on January 30, 2023, the Stockholm School of Economics issued a statement condemning Ehnbom. Their statement expressed profound regret that young women had interacted with Epstein through someone they had trusted. The school ended its collaboration with Ehnbom after becoming aware of Epstein’s donations in 2015.
Ehnbom met DeGette in 2009 during a Swedish-American Life Science Summit in Stockholm, where DeGette served as the keynote speaker. The two were last seen together in 2018 at a related event. Stelzner explained that DeGette’s engagement with Ehnbom stemmed from a constituent connection related to biomedical research. He noted that DeGette had not received any donations from Ehnbom in over eleven years and no longer maintained a relationship with her.
Despite the lack of direct communication with Epstein, the association of DeGette’s name with these questionable exchanges raises concerns. In August 2012, Ehnbom emailed Epstein about a fundraiser for DeGette, stating, “she is just super — if anything I am hoping on your involvement?” Epstein’s response seemed indifferent to the invitation, as he inquired instead about his “wife choice this year.”
Ehnbom has since criticized media portrayals of her involvement with Epstein, expressing outrage over the abuse that victims have suffered. She stated on LinkedIn, “I feel disgusted to have had any kind of contact with the person who has now, posthumously, been exposed for actions that lack any defense.”
As investigations continue, the implications of these documents on DeGette’s political career and public perception remain to be seen. The unfolding narrative serves as a reminder of the enduring consequences of Epstein’s actions and the complex web of relationships surrounding him.
