Noam Chomsky
Chomsky illustrates how Epstein leveraged a specific vulnerability — a family trust dispute and limited financial expertise — to embed himself as an indispensable advisor to a globally prominent intellectual, subsequently using that relationship for social proof with other contacts including Steve Bannon and the broader Harvard academic network.
Noam Chomsky (born December 7, 1928) is an American linguist, philosopher, and political commentator who held faculty positions at MIT for over fifty years before joining the University of Arizona as Laureate Professor in 2017. DOJ-released emails and financial records document a sustained relationship with Jeffrey Epstein spanning at least 2015 to May 2019. Records indicate 1 that Epstein served as Chomsky's de facto financial advisor, became involved in a trust dispute between Chomsky and his three children, and routed payments through Epstein-controlled entities including Gratitude America Ltd and the law office of Darren Indyke. 2
The documented record centers on a protracted dispute over the Carol S. Chomsky Revocable Trust, established by Chomsky's first wife Carol before her death in December 2008. Epstein became the primary advisor in this family conflict, proposing settlement figures, communicating directly with trustees, and coordinating legal strategy through his personal attorney's office. Records indicate 3 he sought to install his own accountant Richard Kahn as replacement trustee. The relationship extended to direct financial transfers totaling at least $320,000 routed through Epstein infrastructure, intellectual discussions, social introductions, and use of Epstein's private transportation and properties. 4 2 5
Chomsky acknowledged the relationship publicly in 2023, stating that Epstein provided advice on transferring funds between his own accounts and that "the simplest way was to pass it through his office." The email corpus documents interactions spanning financial advising, trust dispute management, social introductions, and intellectual discussions over a four-year period. 2
Epstein as De Facto Financial Advisor
Jeffrey Epstein became extensively involved in Chomsky's financial affairs between 2017 and 2019. The earliest documented financial interaction involves Gratitude America Ltd, an Epstein-linked entity operating through Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, which issued a $30,000 check to Chomsky on March 2, 2017, sent to his MIT faculty housing at 984 Memorial Drive, Cambridge. 6 A separate $20,000 payment was designated for "administering the Chomsky Challenge in Linguistics," bringing the total Gratitude America payments to $50,000. Darren Indyke drafted the consulting agreement for the $30,000 consulting fee. 4
By late 2017, Epstein had access to Chomsky's tax returns, business expense records, bank account details (Bank of America, 1761 Massachusetts Avenue), and accountant contacts. 7 8 Valeria Chomsky sent Epstein their accountant's information at his request, and Epstein directed his own accountant Richard Kahn of HBRK Associates to contact Chomsky's CPA Nick Nichols at Abrams Little-Gill Loberfeld PC: "can you send me nick nicles contacts rich kahn needs to call him. tell him he should tell all." 9 Chomsky forwarded his 2016 business expenses to Epstein asking "Could you let us know whether this makes any sense." 8
In February 2018, Epstein negotiated with an entity referred to as "Bain" on Chomsky's behalf, writing: "bain has offered 150k. i told them 250 lets see what happens." Valeria responded: "You knew what you were talking about." 10 The nature of this transaction remains unidentified. In the same month, Epstein directed Valeria to sign financial documents she did not understand. She wrote: "Do you understand why my name is there at all? I don't have any investments with them. My name was not part of any documents with them. Why should I sign? I will, if you tell me to." 11
In December 2018, Deutsche Bank records show a $270,159 wire from Darren K. Indyke PLLC to Noam Chomsky. Chomsky later stated these were his own funds related to Carol's estate reorganization, explaining that "the simplest way was to pass it through his office." 2 The total documented financial transfers routed through Epstein infrastructure amount to at least $320,000: the $50,000 Gratitude America payment and the $270,159 Indyke wire.
Carol Chomsky Trust Dispute
The central mechanism through which Epstein embedded himself in Chomsky's life was a prolonged dispute over the Carol S. Chomsky Revocable Trust and associated marital trusts, established before Carol Chomsky's death on December 19, 2008 (MassCourts case MI09P0496EA). 12 The trust structure included the Carol Chomsky Non-Exempt Marital Trust, the Carol Chomsky Exempt Marital Trust, and the Diane Chomsky 2009 Trust, with assets custodied at Pershing LLC (a BNY Mellon subsidiary). Trustees were Max Kohlenberg (Howland Evangelista Kohlenberg Burnett LLP, Providence, RI) and Harry Chomsky. 13
On October 16, 2017, Chomsky requested a $500,000 distribution from the marital trust, writing to Kohlenberg: "I've worked hard for 70 years, put away a substantial sum of money. I surely have the right to access it." Kohlenberg refused without financial disclosure. 14 Chomsky's attorney Deborah Pechet Quinan (Riemer Braunstein LLP) advised that removing trustees required approval of a majority of his children — Aviva, Diana, and Harry. 15 Separately, Chomsky's inherited IRA at Bainco International Investors (500 Boylston St, Boston), also custodied at Pershing, held approximately $393,651 as of December 2016 and had been depleted by distributions to ten family members, taxes, and management fees. 16
Epstein's involvement in the trust dispute was operational. In July 2017, after Chomsky's children sent a joint letter expressing concern about their father's financial decisions, Epstein told Valeria: "dont let on its me. tell them as soon as you have all the docs you will straighten this all out." 17 He arranged for Richard Kahn to communicate directly with trustee Kohlenberg, with Lesley Groff scheduling the calls. 18 In November 2017, Chomsky wrote to Harry requesting Kahn as replacement trustee, describing him as "an accountant I have been working with and trust" — without disclosing Kahn's relationship to Epstein. Harry refused. 19 Records indicate 3 that Kahn operated from HBRK Associates at 575 Lexington Avenue, 4th Floor, New York — the same address as Darren Indyke PLLC.
Epstein described Chomsky's own attorney as "a flake" and directed legal strategy. 20 In July 2018, he proposed a settlement of "$1.5 million up front and 100k per year" and urged the Chomskys to "get aggressive." 21 By October 2018, Epstein proposed assigning trust interests to an insurance company for $3 million, with mutual releases. 22 The dispute proceeded to formal mediation, with attorney Vincent Pisegna (Krokidas & Bluestein LLP, Boston) representing Chomsky and Kahn participating in settlement discussions. 23 24 A draft settlement agreement was being circulated as of January 2019. 24
Family Dynamics
The trust dispute created a division within the Chomsky family that Epstein actively navigated. Chomsky's three children from his first marriage — Aviva (Avi), Diana (Diane), and Harry — jointly opposed their father's interpretation of the trust terms. In a July 2017 letter, they wrote: "We are very, very concerned that you are not understanding and not getting help in understanding what is happening with your finances... We feel that you have painted yourself into a corner, in which you arrive at the worst possible interpretation of complex legal language, and then refuse to speak with the very people who could explain it to you." 25
Valeria Chomsky, Noam's second wife (married 2014), framed the dispute as the children "punishing Noam for remarrying," writing to Epstein: "The problem is that they seem to want to punish Noam for remarrying (maybe unconsciously)." Their lawyer had told Valeria privately that "the situation is very serious — children denying their father his own money." 26 Epstein positioned himself as Chomsky's defender against his children, writing: "IT IS NOAMS MONEY, plain and simple these arguemnts by the children are ludicrous." 27 In March 2019, Valeria told Epstein: "Noam wrote to his two daughters asking them to help and they only said they don't want to get involved — which is not true. Harry has been consulting with them all the time and all decisions are taken among the three of them. Barbaric." 28
Analysis of communication patterns across the corpus indicates 29 that nearly all email contact with Epstein was mediated through Valeria, who managed logistics, relayed trust questions, and regularly deferred to Epstein's judgment. The basic question of whether Chomsky was even a beneficiary of the marital trusts was directed to Epstein rather than to legal counsel: "Noam asked me and I don't know the answer: is he a beneficiary of the marital trusts?" 30
Social and Intellectual Network
Epstein maintained regular contact with the Chomskys at Harvard and Cambridge from at least August 2015 through May 2019. 31 32 He arranged meetings and dinners with figures in his network, including Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn (2015), former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, and Harvard professor Martin Nowak at Nowak's institute at 1 Brattle Square. 33 In October 2017, Epstein used Chomsky as a draw for his Cambridge gatherings, instructing his assistant: "tell hillis and seth that chomsky will be there, and use martins office." 34 He offered to arrange a meeting with Thorbjorn Jagland, then head of the Council of Europe, in September 2016. 33
Epstein provided material support beyond financial advice: apartment use in New York, offers of private air transport, medical referrals for Valeria, and airline tickets. 5 35 A Steve Bannon connection was documented through a dinner at 71st Street in May 2018 and a Tucson meeting in February 2019. 36 In a February 2018 email to Bannon about cryptocurrency and 501(c)(4) strategy, Epstein wrote: "BTW Noam Chomsky yesterday referred to me as the Swiss Army Knife of finance." 36 An Epstein-arranged meeting with Peter Thiel was proposed in October 2015. 33
The intellectual exchanges between Chomsky and Epstein covered linguistics, behavioral science, Big Data, and political topics including Brexit, Trump, and Syria, spanning from 2015 through 2019. 37 Chomsky wrote an undated reference letter describing Epstein as a "highly valued friend" with whom he had been in "regular contact since, with many long and often in-depth discussions." Epstein asked Chomsky to remove the word "gadfly" from the letter, concerned a reporter would use it, and Chomsky agreed. 38
Noam Chomsky
University of Arizona
Epstein donated at least $50,000 to the University of Arizona Center for Consciousness Studies in March 2017, coordinated by Professor Stuart Hameroff, with payment processed through Richard Kahn. The university initially characterized this as a "one-time anonymous gift" and claimed to be "unaware of his involvement," a characterization contradicted by internal emails. 39 Separately, a December 2018 Deutsche Bank presentation described a wire to "Noam Chomsky" identifying him as "a part-time professor at the University of Arizona." Chomsky joined the university as Laureate Professor in fall 2017. The temporal proximity of Epstein's donation (March 2017) and Chomsky's appointment (fall 2017) is documented but no causal connection has been established. 39
Press Coverage and Public Relations
In February 2019, as the Miami Herald's investigative coverage of Epstein intensified, Epstein asked Chomsky for advice: "Noam. I d love your advice on how I handle my putrid press. its is spiraling out of control. do I have someone write an oped? defend myself. or try to ignore. realizing that mobs are dangerous!" 40 In an earlier exchange from December 2017, Epstein had asked Chomsky to modify a reference letter and urged Valeria to write something supportive "for many timely reasons... otherwise it will be the world of the monster men etc." 38
Epstein's May 2019 iMessage records show plans to visit Chomsky: "fly to ranch on wed, see chomsky on sun, return to island." Another message asked: "Are you still with Chomsky in may?" This was approximately ten weeks before Epstein's July 6, 2019, arrest at Teterboro Airport. 41 The relationship was active through at minimum May 2019. 32
All Connections
19 total
All Connections
19 totalEpstein directed K from GA for 'administering the chomsky challenge in linguistics.' Kahn emailed: 'jeffrey wanted me to reach out regarding a payment from his foundation gratitude america in the amount of 20,000 for administering the chomsky challenge in linguistics.'
Epstein served as de facto legal/financial advisor managing Chomsky trust dispute with children, proposed .5M settlement, had Darren Indyke office coordinate meetings
Kohlenberg was independent trustee of Carol Chomsky marital trust at Howland Evangelista Kohlenberg Burnett LLP (Providence RI); refused Chomsky K distribution; Harry filed court petition to replace him
Son and co-trustee of Carol Chomsky marital trust. Filed court petition in MA June 2018. Was getting his own attorney for liquidation by April 2018. Harry's attorney was named Jillian.
Kahn proposed as replacement trustee for Carol Chomsky marital trusts (Nov 2017), served as financial advisor, processed Gratitude America payments, consulted with attorney Pisegna on settlement tax issues, and Chomsky considered granting him power of attorney for mediation
Indyke drafted the consulting agreement for the $30K Gratitude America payment to Chomsky (Feb 2017). Indyke's office (575 Lexington Ave, 4th Floor) was the same address as HBRK Associates (Kahn). Indyke's legal assistant Bebe Avdiu coordinated Chomsky dinner meetings with Epstein at Harvard.
Epstein served as de facto financial advisor managing Chomsky's trust dispute with his children. Proposed legal strategies, directed litigation counsel, negotiated with third parties (Bain), and controlled document execution. Relationship extended from intellectual friendship (2015) to deep financial entanglement (2017-2019).
Epstein-brokered introduction. Dinner at 71st St May 2018. Tucson meeting Feb 2019.
30K consulting from Gratitude to Chomsky confirmed Feb 2017. Darren Indyke to draft consulting agreement. Epstein also directed 20K from foundation for administering the Chomsky challenge in linguistics.
Epstein arranged Chomsky-Thiel meeting Oct 2015. Told Chomsky about Thiel. Three-way meeting proposed.
Kahn was Epstein associate at HBRK Associates Inc. (575 Lexington Avenue, 4th Floor, NY 10022) who Epstein proposed as mediator for Chomsky trust dispute
Pechet Quinan was Chomsky's trust/estate attorney at RIW law firm ([email protected]), advised on trust options including trustee removal; Epstein called her 'a flake'
Indyke's legal assistant Bebe Avdiu at DARREN K. INDYKE, PLLC (575 Lexington Avenue, 4th Floor, NY 10022) coordinated Chomsky-Epstein meetings including Harvard lunch June 2017
Epstein arranged dinner between Chomsky and Woody Allen (with Soon-Yi Previn) circa 2015, scheduling a flight from Boston to New York for the meeting.
Epstein arranged meetings between Chomsky and Harvard professor Martin Nowak at Nowak's Harvard office in March 2015. Nowak was one of Epstein's key science contacts.
Attorney Vincent Pisegna corresponded with Chomsky family about trust matters, specifically regarding Richard Kahn. Valeria forwarded Pisegna's email about Kahn to Epstein in January 2019. Epstein directed Chomsky on what to communicate to Pisegna.
Little Faces LLC registered at shared Chomsky-Wasserman residence 9777 N Korte Lane. Entity reinstated 03/2018 during Epstein financial management.
Bainco managed Chomsky inherited IRA (B/O Carol Chomsky Deceased) via Pershing LLC custody. Advisor initials RBH. Account at 500 Boylston St Suite 440, Boston MA. Active management with options overlay.
All Findings
72 total
All Findings
72 totalfinancial (44)
Gratitude America Ltd (Deutsche Bank Trust) issued ,000 check to Noam Chomsky at 984 Memorial Drive, Cambridge MA (March 2017)
LMSBAND document EFTA01358498 shows a check dated 3/2/2017 from Gratitude America Ltd via Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (New York, NY 10164) to Noam Chomsky for ,000.00, addressed to 984 Memorial Drive, Apt. 404 8, Cambridge, MA. Gratitude America Ltd was an Epstein-linked entity. A second check image (EFTA01348702) from the same entity shows the same ,000 payment. This demonstrates direct financial transfers from an Epstein entity to Chomsky through Deutsche Bank.
Chomsky requested ,000 distribution from Carol Chomsky marital trust; trustee Max Kohlenberg refused without financial disclosure (Oct 2017)
On Oct 16, 2017, Noam Chomsky emailed trustee Max Kohlenberg requesting ,000 distribution from the marital trust. Kohlenberg refused without further discussion and financial disclosure. Attorney Deborah Pechet Quinan (of RIW law firm, [email protected]) advised Chomsky that the situation was 'not simple and straightforward' due to trust terms and fiduciary law. Key issue: Chomsky could remove trustees only with approval of majority of his children (Aviva, Diana, Harry). Kohlenberg was at Howland Evangelista Kohlenberg Burnett LLP in Providence, RI.
Valeria asked Epstein about marital trusts: 'is he a beneficiary of the marital trusts?' - Epstein as de facto financial advisor (Nov 2017)
In EFTA02560343 (Nov 28, 2017), Valeria wrote to Epstein: 'Noam asked me and I don't know the answer: is he a beneficiary of the marital trusts?' This basic question to Epstein rather than to their own attorney demonstrates the depth of financial dependency on Epstein. This is from the same period when Chomsky was trying to access K from the trust and being blocked by trustee Kohlenberg.
Epstein offered Bain Capital negotiation services for Chomsky: 'bain has offered 150k. i told them 250 lets see what happens' (Feb 2018)
February 7, 2018 email (EFTA02528886): Epstein wrote to Chomsky and Valeria: 'bain has offered 150k. i told them 250 lets see what happens.' Valeria responded: 'You knew what you were talking about.' The nature of this Bain Capital negotiation is unclear - it could relate to a sale of intellectual property rights, speaking engagement, book deal, or other transaction. The fact that Epstein was actively negotiating with Bain Capital on Chomsky's behalf demonstrates the depth of Epstein's financial management role.
Valeria Chomsky questioned signing documents: 'Do you understand why my name is there at all? I don't have any investments with them' (Feb 2018)
In EFTA02520496 (Feb 27, 2018), Valeria wrote to Epstein: 'Do you understand why my name is there at all? I don't have any investments with them. My name was not part of any documents with them. Why should I sign? I will, if you tell me to.' This suggests Epstein was directing financial paperwork involving Valeria's name on documents she didn't understand, and that she deferred to his judgment on whether to sign.
Carol Chomsky Exempt Marital trust managed via Pershing LLC - first check received by Noam in 5 years (Apr 2018)
In EFTA02475217 (Apr 13, 2018), Valeria wrote to Epstein: 'The attachment caused some curiosity. In 5 years, it is the first time that Noam receives a check from Pershing in reference to the Carol Chomsky Exempt Marital.' This indicates the Carol Chomsky marital trust assets were custodied at Pershing LLC (a BNY Mellon clearing firm), and that distributions had been withheld for approximately 5 years (since around 2013, following the 2014 Chomsky-Wasserman marriage).
Chomsky bank details shared with Epstein: Bank of America, 1761 Massachusetts Avenue - Epstein had access to financial infrastructure (Apr 2018)
In EFTA02467162 (Apr 17, 2018), Valeria emailed Epstein associates Matthew Mazotas and Nick Nichols (cc Noam) with subject 'Bank Information for Estimated Taxes Payment' providing: Bank Name: Bank of America, Bank Address: 1761 Massachusetts Avenue, Account Holder Name: Noam Chomsky, Account Holder Number: [redacted], plus Valeria Chomsky listed separately. This demonstrates Epstein's team had direct access to Chomsky banking information including account numbers and SWIFT codes.
Epstein actively managed Chomsky trust dispute: proposed .5M upfront plus K/year settlement, urged Chomskys to 'get aggressive' (July 2018)
In EFTA02446992 (July 8, 2018), Epstein wrote to Valeria re the court petition: 'yes, i think you should, and unless they agree to my yesterday proposal. 1.5 million up front and 100k per year I think noam and you need to get agressive. same message. i know it is difficult. the fact that they implied this is your fault has always been the issue.' This shows Epstein was not just an advisor but actively formulating settlement proposals for the Chomsky trust litigation.
Noam Chomsky asked trustee Max Kohlenberg for K distribution from marital trust (Oct 16, 2017). Max asked if he meant K or K, confirming unusual request. Chomsky wrote: 'I've worked hard for 70 years, put away a substantial sum of money. I surely have the right to access it.' Max refused to distribute without further discussion, requiring Deborah Pechet Quinan (Chomsky's attorney) to participate.
Epstein actively inserted himself into Chomsky trust dispute as shadow financial advisor. In Jul 2017 email, when Chomsky children (Avi, Diana, Harry) wrote concerned letter about promissory note and trust terms, Epstein told Valeria: 'I personally will meet with speak with any one or all of them... dont let on its me... tell them as soon as you have all the docs you will straighten this all out.' Epstein was secretly advising while the children were unaware.
Chomsky children (Avi, Diana, Harry) wrote urgent letter (Jul 1, 2017) pleading with Noam to meet with trustees, warning he was 'making big decisions based on faulty information' and had 'painted himself into a corner, in which you arrive at the worst possible interpretation of complex legal language, and then refuse to speak with the very people who could explain it to you.' They urged him to meet with 'the people who set up the Trust, the loan, etc.' This reveals deep family conflict over Carol Chomsky's marital trust terms.
Epstein proposed specific strategy in Oct 2018 trust mediation: 'i assign my interest in the trust to the insurance co. They pay me three million dollars. Valeria and i exchange mutual releases with max and harry. Et al. Then the insurance co can spend as much time as they want negotiating with harry. Our next offer will be 4 million to include emotional distress.' This directly demonstrates Epstein held or claimed a financial interest in the Chomsky trust, and was treating the family dispute as a financial negotiation.
Noam attempted to replace trustee Max Kohlenberg with Richard Kahn (Epstein's accountant from HBRK Associates). In Nov 2017, Noam wrote Harry: 'Max has agreed to stand down as trustee of the two marital trusts. I would like to appoint Rich Kahn, an accountant I have been working with and trust.' Harry responded: 'Unless I hear from Max that he is stepping down, I have no authority to approve a new trustee.' Harry was blocking Epstein's man from gaining control of Carol Chomsky's trusts.
Valeria Chomsky forwarded Carol Chomsky trust tax return questions to Epstein (Sep 2017). Document reveals three trust structures: Carol Chomsky Non-Exempt Marital Trust (Goulston Storrs + Pershing accounts), Carol Chomsky Exempt Marital Trust, and Diane Chomsky 2009 Trust. Trustees were Max Kohlenberg and Harry Chomsky. Accountant Matthew Mazotas at Abrams Little-Gill Loberfeld was preparing returns. This is the financial architecture Carol Chomsky set up before her death in 2008.
Valeria Chomsky asked Epstein about an unexpected check from 'Carol Chomsky Exempt Marital' trust via Pershing (Apr 13, 2018): 'In 5 years, it is the first time that Noam receives a check from Pershing in reference to the Carol Chomsky Exempt Marital, although the description says as per your request, Noam hasn't requested this.' Valeria then asked 'So, the check should not be deposited, right?' This suggests financial activity in the trust that neither Noam nor Valeria understood or initiated.
Valeria Chomsky asked Epstein about 'marital trusts' on Nov 28, 2017: 'Noam asked me and I don't know the answer: is he a beneficiary of the marital trusts?' This fundamental question -- whether Noam was even a beneficiary of his late wife Carol's trusts -- was being directed to Jeffrey Epstein rather than to legal counsel or the existing trustee. Shows deep dependency on Epstein for financial understanding.
Epstein negotiated a deal involving 'Bain' on behalf of Chomsky. Feb 7, 2018: Epstein wrote 'bain has offered 150k. i told them 250 lets see what happens.' Valeria responded: 'You knew what you were talking about.' Context unclear but appears to be a financial negotiation Epstein was conducting on Chomsky's behalf, possibly related to the Lexington house sale or trust asset liquidation.
Valeria asked Epstein why her name appeared on documents she needed to sign (Feb 27, 2018): 'Do you understand why my name is there at all? I don't have any investments with them. My name was not part of any documents with them. Why should I sign? I will, if you tell me to.' Epstein had told her 'need the papers signed.' This shows Epstein directing Valeria to sign financial documents she didn't understand, and her willingness to sign based solely on his instruction.
Harry Chomsky filed a petition with the Massachusetts court (Jun 5, 2018) to appoint a new independent trustee to replace Max Kohlenberg. Valeria was 'completely APPALLED' by Harry's court filing and asked Epstein if she could 'take some legal action' against it. Diana and Avi Chomsky wrote they were 'heartbroken about the whole situation' and said it had to be resolved between Noam and Harry. This reveals a full legal battle between Noam/Valeria (backed by Epstein) and Harry over Carol Chomsky's trust.
Epstein arranged for his assistant Lesley Groff to coordinate calls between Richard Kahn (his accountant, HBRK Associates) and Max Kohlenberg (Chomsky trust trustee) in Sep-Oct 2017. Multiple calendar alerts and emails show Groff scheduling the Kahn-Kohlenberg phone calls. This places Epstein's operational infrastructure directly into the Chomsky trust administration chain.
Show 24 more financial findings
Vincent Pisegna of Krokidas & Bluestein LLP (Boston) served as Noam Chomsky's attorney in the trust mediation proceeding. Oct 2018 mediation was conducted by remote hookup, with Richard Kahn (Epstein's accountant) participating in 'our room' during shuttle diplomacy. By Jan 2019, Pisegna was reviewing trust tax returns and pushing Harry's lawyer to draft settlement agreement. Noam had informed Richard Kahn of 'the general outlines of the settlement.'
Epstein became de facto administrator of Carol S. Chomsky Revocable Trust marital trusts. He proposed legal strategies including assigning trust interest to insurance company for $3M, directed responses to opposing counsel, and installed Richard Kahn (his own accountant) as replacement trustee.
Jeffrey Epstein became deeply involved in administering Carol Chomsky's marital trusts after her Dec 2008 death. Timeline: Oct 2017 - Epstein advises Chomsky on trust dispute with children, says 'it is simple if the children agree, disturbing if they dont.' Nov 2017 - Noam asks Harry to approve Richard Kahn as trustee replacement. Nov 2017 - Valeria asks Epstein 'is he a beneficiary of the marital trusts?' Dec 2017 - Noam writes detailed letter to children requesting Max resign. Jan 2018 - Max preparing successor trustee list with Richard Kahn cc'd. Feb 2018 - Epstein tells Deborah Pechet Quinan 'we have been consulting litigation counsel, so as of today we will not respond.' Apr 2018 - Valeria asks Epstein about 'conversation with Max.' Oct 2018 - Epstein proposes strategy: 'i assign my interest in the trust to the insurance co. They pay me three million dollars. Valeria and i exchange mutual releases with max and harry.' Oct 2018 - Noam asks about granting Kahn power of attorney for mediation. Jan 2019 - Settlement agreement being drafted, Vincent Pisegna pushing Harry's lawyer.
Noam Chomsky blamed 'the advice and practices of Max and Sam' for his financial problems. In Oct 27, 2017 email to Epstein, Noam drafted response to Max Kohlenberg: 'could also add something about the advice and practices of Max and Sam that led to a situation where for the first time in my life, I have to face financial problems. But maybe not.' Sam likely refers to Sam Feldman, a prior financial advisor. Noam saw himself as a victim of bad financial management while his children disagreed.
Carol Chomsky Exempt Marital trust generated check from Pershing to Noam in April 2018 — first such payment in 5 years. Valeria reported to Epstein that Noam had not requested it, asking what to do.
On April 13, 2018, Valeria Chomsky emailed Epstein: 'The attachment caused some curiosity. In 5 years, it is the first time that Noam receives a check from Pershing in reference to the Carol Chomsky Exempt Marital, although the description says as per your request, Noam hasn't requested this.' This indicates: (1) The trust assets were custodied at Pershing (BNY Mellon custody platform), (2) Someone initiated a distribution that Noam did not request, (3) The Chomskys looked to Epstein for explanation/guidance on trust payments, (4) The timing coincides with the active trust dispute.
Richard Kahn (HBRK Associates, Epstein's accountant) was proposed as replacement trustee for Carol Chomsky marital trusts. Harry Chomsky resisted. Kahn later served as Chomsky's financial advisor, coordinated with attorney Pisegna, and Chomsky asked about granting Kahn power of attorney for mediation.
Nov 2017: Noam emails Harry asking to approve Richard Kahn as trustee, describes him as 'an accountant I have been working with and trust.' Harry refuses: 'Unless I hear from Max that he is stepping down, I have no authority to approve a new trustee.' Kahn operates from HBRK Associates Inc., 575 Lexington Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10022 — the SAME address as Darren K. Indyke PLLC. By Oct 2018, Kahn is advising Pisegna on tax structuring of potential settlement, stating distributions from marital trust won't have adverse tax consequences. Chomsky writes: 'We have confidence in Richard's advice.' Also asks about granting Kahn power of attorney for mediation.
Epstein directed Chomsky accountant changes. Jan 6, 2018: Valeria provided Nick Nichols's contact info (Abrams Little-Gill Loberfeld PC, CPAs) to Epstein after he requested it. Epstein told Valeria: 'can you send me nick nicles contacts rich kahn needs to call him. tell him he should tell all.' Epstein's accountant Rich Kahn was being inserted into direct communication with Chomsky's existing accountant.
Epstein was managing the Chomsky trust dispute at an operational level. Apr 29, 2018: Epstein wrote 'progress? max said harry is speaking to his own attny on thurs this week it would be helpful if i could get rough numbers. and then we can speak and ill explain plan.' When Noam asked 'I don't understand why Harry is getting a lawyer,' Epstein explained 'He wants independent advice rd liquidation.' Epstein was speaking directly with Max Kohlenberg about the case and developing a 'plan.'
Gratitude America paid Chomsky $50K total: $20K for 'Chomsky Challenge in Linguistics' and $30K consulting fee. Richard Kahn processed payment Feb 2017; Darren Indyke drafted consulting agreement.
Feb 26-28, 2017: Epstein instructs Kahn '10k to her, 3 to Johanna and 30k from foundation to Chomsky.' Kahn reaches out to Chomsky: 'jeffrey wanted me to reach out regarding a payment from his foundation gratitude america in the amount of 20,000 for administering the chomsky challenge in linguistics.' Separately, Kahn confirms: 'please confirm 30k to Noam Chomsky is consulting from Gratitude and the expertise for consulting agreement darren will draft.' So Indyke drafted the consulting agreement. Noam forwards to Valeria: 'I'm forwarding this letter to my wife Valeria, who will take care of it.' Payment went to Bank of America account, 1761 Massachusetts Avenue.
DOJ emails reveal Epstein served as primary financial advisor in Chomsky family trust dispute with three children over Carol Chomsky marital trusts
After Carol Chomsky died in 2008, marital trusts were structured assuming she would outlive Noam. Max Kohlenberg (trustee) and Harry Chomsky (co-trustee) resisted Chomsky's request for K distribution in Oct 2017, demanding financial disclosure. Attorney Deborah Pechet Quinan (RIW law firm, Gene Landy also involved) advised on options including removing trustees with majority children's consent. Epstein became central advisor, telling Chomsky 'it is simple if the children agree. it is disturbing and problematic if they dont.' Chomsky wrote to trustee: 'I've worked hard for 70 years, put away a substantial sum of money. I surely have the right to access it.' This dispute became the core mechanism through which Epstein embedded himself in Chomsky's financial life.
Epstein facilitated K transfer of Chomsky's own funds via attorney Darren Indyke's firm in December 2018
Deutsche Bank records show ,159 wire from Darren K. Indyke PLLC (Epstein's attorney) to Noam Chomsky in December 2018. Chomsky confirmed the transfer but stated it involved his own funds related to his late wife Carol's estate reorganization. Chomsky told Insider: 'Epstein gave me advice on how to transfer funds from one account of mine to another. The simplest way was to pass it through his office.' Valeria Chomsky's statement confirmed: Epstein 'offered technical assistance to resolve this specific situation' and 'acted solely as a financial advisor for this specific matter.' The funds were Chomsky's retirement resources.
Chomsky trust dispute centered on $500K distribution request from marital trusts. Trustee Max Kohlenberg (attorney, Howland Evangelista Kohlenberg Burnett LLP, Providence RI) demanded financial information before releasing funds. Noam's IRA had been depleted by distributions to 10 family members.
Oct 16, 2017: Noam requests $500,000 distribution from marital trust for 'current expenses.' Max asks for financial justification. Noam's Oct 27 letter details how his IRA was depleted by distributions to family and argues the marital trust was intended for the married couple. Key claims: (1) IRA depleted by distributions to 10 family members (half of mandatory withdrawals), (2) taxes and management fees for entire estate paid from IRA, (3) Wellfleet house payments and Alex's medical expenses further depleted IRA, (4) Max allegedly allowed distributions from marital trust to children/grandchildren without consulting Noam, (5) the apartment purchase and 'outlandish loan from the marital trust' were mistakes Max should have prevented. Attorney Deborah Pechet Quinan (RIW, 255 State Street, Boston, Chair Trusts & Estates) advises Noam.
Gratitude America (Epstein VI nonprofit) issued ,000 check to Noam Chomsky on March 2, 2017 via Deutsche Bank Trust
Physical check image found in DOJ releases shows Deutsche Bank Trust check from Gratitude America, Ltd to Noam Chomsky for ,000 dated 3/2/2017, mailed to 984 Memorial Drive, Apt. 404, Cambridge MA 02138 (MIT faculty housing). Valeria's statement explains this was payment for a 'linguistic challenge that Epstein wished to establish as a regular prize.' Two separate EFTA documents capture the check image from different angles/scans.
Epstein negotiated on Chomsky's behalf with unidentified party 'Bain' — offered $150K, Epstein countered at $250K. Valeria responded: 'You knew what you were talking about.' Context unclear but occurred during trust dispute period (Feb 2018).
Feb 7, 2018: Epstein emails Noam and Valeria: 'bain has offered 150k. i told them 250 lets see what happens.' Valeria replies: 'You knew what you were talking about.' The identity of 'Bain' is unclear — could refer to Bain Capital, a purchaser of assets, or possibly an entity involved in the trust liquidation discussion. This occurs during the period when Epstein is actively managing the trust dispute and Harry is reportedly 'getting a lawyer' for 'independent advice rd liquidation' (EFTA02458009, Apr 2018).
Valeria Chomsky questioned why her name appeared on unspecified financial documents. Epstein instructed her to sign them. She wrote: 'I don't have any investments with them. My name was not part of any documents with them. Why should I sign? I will, if you tell me to.' (Feb 2018)
Feb 27, 2018: Epstein tells Valeria 'need the papers signed.' Valeria responds expressing confusion about why she must sign documents for investments she has no part of. Her deference to Epstein's direction ('I will, if you tell me to') shows extraordinary financial dependence. The identity of 'them' is unknown but suggests a financial institution or entity where Epstein had placed assets connected to the Chomskys.
Noam and Valeria Chomsky Foundation (EIN 844086832) incorporated as 501(c)(3) in Tucson, AZ. Filed 990-PF for 2019 and 2020. $0 revenue/assets in latest filing. Ruling date June 2022.
The Noam And Valeria Chomsky Foundation is registered at 6436 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85710-3504, NTEE code A20, 501(c)(3). Filed two 990-PF forms (private foundation returns) for tax years 2019 and 2020. Latest reported revenue and assets are $0. Separately, a Chomsky Legacy Collection (EIN 873710656) exists at 8282 Calvine Rd Apt 1080, Sacramento, CA — unrelated to Noam, appears to be an educational nonprofit with ~$130-181K annual revenue.
Richard Kahn (Epstein accountant/estate co-executor) installed in Chomsky family trust structure, children objected strenuously
Epstein's personal accountant Richard Kahn (HBRK Associates Inc., 575 Lexington Ave 4th Floor, NYC 10022) was placed in a fiduciary role related to Chomsky's trusts. Chomsky forwarded a Noam Chomsky political article to Epstein sent by 'Richard Kahn, HBRK Associates Inc.' (April 2019), showing Kahn maintained independent contact. Chomsky's three children 'strongly objected' to placing Kahn on the family trust board. A 2021 lawsuit characterized Kahn as the 'captain' of Epstein's sex trafficking ring, alleging he 'directed, approved, enabled' millions in payments fueling exploitation (Kahn denied charges). Kahn also served as co-executor of Epstein's estate. The children sent a joint July 2017 letter: 'We beg you once again to meet with us to clarify these issues.'
Epstein mediated negotiations over trust liquidation with Chomsky children: Harry getting lawyer, Epstein wanted 'rough numbers' (April 2018)
Email chain from April 29-30 2018 (EFTA02458009) shows Epstein actively involved in trust liquidation. Epstein wrote: 'progress? max said harry is speaking to his own attny on thurs this week it would be helpful if i could get rough numbers. and then we can speak and ill explain plan.' Chomsky responded: 'I dont understand why Harry is getting a lawyer. What do you think the reason is?' Epstein replied: 'He wants independent advice rd liquidation.' Chomsky: 'Dont quite understand. Whats involved in liquidation.' This shows Epstein had direct contact with trustee Max Kohlenberg and was managing the dissolution process, including knowing Harry Chomsky was retaining independent counsel.
Carol Chomsky Exempt Marital Trust: first-ever check to Noam in April 2018 triggered questions to Epstein about trust structure
In April 2018, Valeria Chomsky emailed Epstein: 'The attachment caused some curiosity. In 5 years, it is the first time that Noam receives a check from Pershing in reference to the Carol Chomsky Exempt Marital, although the...' (email truncated in corpus). This reveals: (1) Carol Chomsky's trusts were held at Pershing (BNY Mellon subsidiary), (2) despite being a beneficiary, Chomsky had not received distributions for 5+ years (since approximately 2013), (3) the first distribution prompted immediate communication with Epstein rather than the trustees, showing Epstein's central role in trust management.
Chomsky bank details sent to Epstein associates: Bank of America account at 1761 Massachusetts Avenue for tax payments (April 2018)
Email from Valeria Chomsky to Matthew Mazotas and Nick Nichols (accountants), CC Noam Chomsky, April 17, 2018 (EFTA02467162): Subject 'Bank Information for Estimated Taxes Payment.' Details: Bank Name: Bank of America; Bank Address: 1761 Massachusetts Avenue; Account Holder Name: Noam Chomsky; Account Holder Number: Valeria Chomsky. This shows Valeria was listed on Chomsky's bank account and that Epstein's financial network (Mazotas, Nichols) had access to Chomsky's banking details.
University of Arizona received K from Epstein (March 2017) for Consciousness Studies conference; Chomsky later hired as Laureate Professor
FOIAzona reporting reveals Epstein pledged at least K in March 2017 for UA Center for Consciousness Studies conference, coordinated by Prof. Stuart Hameroff. Assistant director Abi Behar-Montefiore handled donation mechanics with Richard Kahn (Epstein accountant). UA initially claimed it was a 'one-time anonymous gift' and was 'unaware of his involvement' - contradicted by emails. Separately, a Deutsche Bank presentation from December 2018 noted Epstein attorney wired ,159 to 'Noam Chomsky' described as 'a part-time professor at the University of Arizona.' Chomsky joined UA as Laureate Professor in fall 2017. The timing of Epstein's UA donation (March 2017) and Chomsky's appointment (fall 2017) warrants scrutiny.
Epstein told Chomsky children trust was 'his money' and their arguments were 'outrageous': IT IS NOAMS MONEY plain and simple (Dec 2017)
December 2017 email exchanges show Epstein aggressively advocating for Chomsky against his children. EFTA02544799: Epstein wrote to Valeria: 'IT IS NOAMS MONEY, plain and simple these arguemnt...' EFTA02545097: Epstein wrote: 'I know this is painful. but we must deal with the reality of the situation.' EFTA02643860: Epstein told Valeria: 'the trust is not theirs it is his\!' July 2017: Epstein offered: 'if noam allows, i think i can clear this up fairly quickly.' The children sent a letter saying they did not acknowledge Chomsky's requests regarding the trust. Valeria described 'the dynamic that has been going on' between Chomsky and his children as requiring 'some consideration.' This shows Epstein positioned himself as Chomsky's champion against his own family.
Chomsky forwarded 2016 business expenses to Epstein for review; Valeria sent accountant Nick Nichols details to Epstein (Jan 2018)
October 2017 (EFTA02377341): Chomsky forwarded document '2016 NOAM AND VALERIA CHOMSKY BUSINESS EXPENSES' to Epstein asking 'Could you let us know whether this makes any sense.' January 2018 (EFTA02542705): Valeria sent details of their accountant Nick Nichols (Abrams Little-Gill Loberfeld PC, CPAs & Business Advisors, 1330 Boylston Street, Suite S10, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467) to Epstein. February 2018 (EFTA02526927): Valeria forwarded Noam's response letter to the children with subject 'Letter 2' asking Epstein 'Suggestions?' This shows Epstein had complete visibility into Chomsky's personal finances, tax affairs, and family correspondence.
Bainco IRA account statement (Dec 2016): Inherited IRA from Carol Chomsky deceased, value $393,651.26, managed by advisor RBH at Bainco International Investors (500 Boylston St Suite 440, Boston), custodied at Pershing LLC. Active strategy: S&P 500 protective puts, gold covered calls, blue-chip dividend stocks, international ETFs. YTD: $200K withdrawn, $100K RMD taken (required $73,315), $5,762 fees (~1.4%), $55,774 net realized gains. Address on file: 984 Memorial Dr Apt 404, Cambridge MA.
Chomsky's Carol-inherited assets exist in TWO separate structures: (1) Inherited IRA at Bainco/Pershing (~$394K as of Dec 2016) — Noam is direct beneficiary, no trustee governance; (2) Carol Chomsky trust vehicles (Rev Trust, Non-Exempt Marital Trust, Exempt Marital Trust) — governed by trust instrument with Harry Chomsky + Max Kohlenberg as trustees. Epstein's efforts focused on the TRUST governance (removing Max), not the IRA which Noam controlled directly.
communication (5)
Epstein boasted to Steve Bannon: 'Noam Chomsky yesterday referred to me as the Swiss Army Knife of finance' (Feb 19, 2018)
In email to Steve Bannon dated February 19, 2018, Epstein wrote: 'BTW Noam Chomsky yesterday referred to me as the Swiss Army Knife of finance.' This appeared in an email chain where Epstein was advising Bannon on cryptocurrency, 501(c)(4) structures, and campaign finance -- specifically Bannon's plan to 'launch the c4 Citizens of the American Republic by announcing we have 100 million worth of bitcoin.' Epstein was simultaneously advising Bannon on political operations while using Chomsky's intellectual endorsement as social proof. Whether Chomsky actually said this or Epstein fabricated it, the quote demonstrates Epstein leveraged his Chomsky relationship to enhance his own credibility with powerful political figures.
Epstein planned May 2019 visit: 'fly to ranch on wed, see chomsky on sun, return to island' - weeks before July arrest
iMessage records from Epstein's phone dated May 4, 2019 show planning for upcoming visit: 'my plan was to fly to ranch on wed see chomsky on sun return to island. but as usual I can be totally flexible.' Another message fragment: 'Are you still with Chomsky in may?' followed by 'Chomsky next Sunday.' This was approximately 10 weeks before Epstein's July 6, 2019 arrest at Teterboro Airport. The reference to 'ranch' (NM) and 'island' (Little St. James, USVI) shows Epstein's continued travel between his properties.
Epstein asked Chomsky for advice on handling 'putrid press' in February 2019 as Miami Herald coverage escalated
In February 2019, as the Miami Herald was publishing explosive investigative reports revisiting Epstein's 2008 plea deal, Epstein emailed Chomsky and Valeria: 'Noam. I d love your advice on how I handle my putrid press. its is spiraling out of control. do I have someone write an oped? defend myself. or try to ignore. realizing that mobs are dangerous\!' Chomsky reportedly advised silence, suggesting the best approach was to 'ignore it' and that 'the vultures' wanted public responses creating 'an onslaught of venomous attacks.' In the same email, Epstein also offered help with Chomsky's family situation: 'On your situation. it breaks my heart. I thought of a work around.'
Chomsky described Epstein as 'highly valued friend' in reference letter, debated removing word 'gadfly' at Epstein's request
Chomsky wrote an undated letter describing Epstein as a 'highly valued friend' with whom he had been in 'regular contact since, with many long and often in-depth discussions.' The letter mentioned Epstein arranging meetings with former Israeli PM Ehud Barak and discussing Oslo agreements with Norwegian diplomats. In December 2017 email exchange (EFTA02546581), Epstein asked Chomsky to remove the word 'gadfly' from a reference, concerned a reporter would 'simply say noam describes jeffrey as a gadfly.' Chomsky agreed: 'Sure. Could just cut off the last phrase, ending with participant.' Epstein also suggested Valeria write something 'for many timely reasons... otherwise it will be the world of the monster men etc.' This shows Epstein was actively managing his public image through Chomsky's endorsement.
Chomsky and Epstein exchanged substantive intellectual discussions on linguistics, behavioral science, Big Data, and political analysis (2015-2019)
Multiple email chains show genuine intellectual engagement between Chomsky and Epstein spanning years. Topics included: (1) Behavioral science models and Big Data criticism (Aug 2015); (2) Language as biological object vs signaling (Oct 2015, with Bob Trivers reference); (3) 'Competing powers' and living systems (Aug 2016); (4) Currency collapse signals (Aug 2015); (5) Brexit/Trump/Syria/Ukraine as 'tribal' phenomena (June 2016); (6) Software/hardware/vision processing (Dec 2015); (7) Epstein asked Chomsky to 'list 5 questions that might inspire creative exploration in the field' (Aug 2016); (8) Epstein shared links to Chomsky's political commentary (Mediaite article). The intellectual content was genuine, not merely social lubricant.
relationship (11)
Epstein's attorney Darren Indyke's office coordinated Chomsky meetings - Bebe Avdiu (legal assistant at Indyke PLLC) arranged Harvard lunch (June 2017)
Emails from June 26-30, 2017 (EFTA02215565, EFTA02215602, EFTA02217395) show Bebe Avdiu, legal assistant at DARREN K. INDYKE, PLLC (575 Lexington Avenue, 4th Floor, NY 10022), arranging a lunch meeting between the Chomskys and Epstein at Harvard (1 Brattle Square, Cambridge, MA 02138). Avdiu wrote 'I am covering for Jeffrey's assistant while she is away this week.' Darren Indyke was Epstein's personal attorney and co-executor of his estate. This demonstrates Indyke's office had direct operational involvement in Epstein-Chomsky coordination.
Epstein provided apartment and private plane transport to Chomskys. May 2016: Valeria stayed in an Epstein apartment in NYC ('Everything is perfect in the apartment'). Epstein offered to fly them to Boston on 'his way to Florida.' Jun 2017: Epstein attempted to arrange private plane pickup for Chomskys ('I need to confirm with pilots... have you picked up at 3 pm tues yes u will then fly to Santa Fe to get me'). Sep 2018: Epstein offered airline tickets ('why dont you guys come home through new york. Ill send tickets').
Epstein maintained regular contact with Chomskys at Harvard/Cambridge during his visits. Oct 2017 visit: Lesley Groff scheduled meeting at Martin Nowak's Institute (1 Brattle Square, Suite 6), with Danny Hillis, Seth Lloyd, and Joi Ito also invited. Epstein told assistant: 'tell hillis and seth that chomsky will be there, and use martins office.' Chomskys were centerpiece of Epstein's Harvard social circuit.
iMessage records from May 4, 2019 show Epstein planning to 'see chomsky on sun' and 'Chomsky next Sunday' -- just 2 months before his July 2019 arrest. Epstein asked an associate 'Are you still with Chomsky in may?' confirming the relationship was active through at minimum May 2019.
Epstein's contact card for Noam Chomsky in his devices listed: MIT, 984 Memorial Drive, Cambridge MA 02138, with both work and home email addresses, and a comment field noting 'Noam's wife's cell' -- showing Valeria's phone number was recorded. This establishes the contact predates the move to Tucson.
Earliest correspondence in corpus: Aug 2015. Valeria writes to Epstein attempting to schedule Oct 2015 meeting, mentioning 'Woody' (Allen) and 'Soon' (Yi). Epstein responds 'I will make sure to be there. ill have woody organzie.' Oct 2015 emails show intellectual exchange about language/signaling + Valeria's health issues. Epstein offered medical connections: 'we have great... whatever she needs.' By Aug 2016 Epstein was bringing scientists (Nowak, 'Joshca') and intellectuals (Wolfram) to Cambridge meetings with Chomskys.
Deborah Pechet Quinan of Riemer Braunstein LLP served as Chomsky's trust attorney. In her Oct 27, 2017 memo forwarded to Epstein, she explained Noam's options: trustees could resign and appoint successors (subject to Noam's approval), or Noam could remove them but only with approval of 'a majority of your children.' She asked: 'Do you think your daughters would agree to remove Max and Harry?' She noted Harry 'should not have a say in the distribution decision' as co-trustee but not independent trustee. Gene Landy (also at RIW) was co-counsel.
Epstein's Chomsky relationship was primarily Valeria-mediated. Nearly all emails to Epstein came from or were forwarded by Valeria. She managed logistics, relayed trust questions, and served as communication intermediary from 2015-2019.
Communication pattern analysis across 20+ DOJ documents shows Valeria Chomsky as the primary point of contact with Epstein. She: (1) forwarded Noam's trust correspondence to Epstein, (2) asked Epstein trust questions directly ('is he a beneficiary of the marital trusts?'), (3) managed scheduling with Lesley Groff, (4) expressed emotional dependence ('THANK YOU\!\!\!\!', 'Please tell us everything. No euphemisms necessary'), (5) forwarded bank information to accountants Matthew Mazotas and Nick Nichols. Valeria's email: [email protected]. Noam's: [email protected]. Social circle included: meetings with Martin Nowak, Danny Hillis, Seth/Joi, Thorbjorn Jagland, Stephen Wolfram.
Epstein brokered social meetings for Chomsky: Woody Allen dinner (2015), Ehud Barak, Thorbjorn Jagland, Martin Nowak, Lawrence Krauss
Epstein arranged multiple high-profile meetings for Chomsky: (1) Dinner with Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn, for which Epstein scheduled a flight for Chomsky (Chomsky: 'If there was a flight it would have been from Boston to New York, 30 minutes'); (2) Meeting with Martin Nowak at Harvard (March 2015); (3) Dinner with former Israeli PM Ehud Barak (summer 2015); (4) Offered meeting with Thorbjorn Jagland (head of Council of Europe, awards Nobel Peace Prize) in September 2016 - Chomsky declined due to Italy trip but wrote 'Sorry to miss all of these meetings. We both very much enjoyed Sunday'; (5) Three-way email chain with Lawrence Krauss (ASU) on science topics; (6) Offered to 'bring Wolfram' to Cambridge in July 2016 (likely Stephen Wolfram); (7) Lesley Groff scheduling note: 'After Krauss is Chomsky' (Feb 2017).
Chomsky family fractured over trust: Harry filed court action; daughters Avi (Aviva) and Diane refused to help Noam remove Max as trustee despite reportedly consulting with Harry on all decisions. Valeria described situation as 'barbaric' and 'outrageously disrespectful.' (March 2019)
Dec 2017: Noam writes to Diana, Harry, and Avi asking them to arrange Max's resignation. His attorney Deborah Pechet Quinan asks: 'Do you think your daughters would agree to remove Max and Harry?' Jul 2018: Diana (Oxfam, Mexico City) writes heartbroken response about court petition: 'We are heartbroken about the whole situation...we really feel it has to be up to you and Harry and your legal representatives to resolve.' Mar 2019: Valeria reports to Epstein: 'Noam wrote to his two daughters asking them to help and they only said they don't want to get involved — which is not true. Harry has been consulting with them all the time and all decisions are taken among the three of them. Barbaric.' Valeria also says: 'They seem to want to destroy Noam. I told Noam I would prefer if he would give them all the money in exchange to leave us in peace.'
Epstein offered personal properties for Chomsky use, close personal care including medical referrals (2015)
August 2015 email: Epstein told Chomsky to 'only fly to Greece if he feels well,' joking he previously 'had to send a plane for another lefty friend to see a doctor in New York.' Epstein offered residences in New York apartment and New Mexico property for Chomsky's use. October 2015 emails show Epstein concerned about Valeria's health: 'oy. we have great [doctors] whatever she needs.' Valeria had injured herself lifting something. Epstein asked 'does that mean your israel trip is off?' In August 2015, Valeria tried to arrange meeting, Epstein responded: 'I dont give up so easily. Give me the time you CAN be at airport.' A September 2016 exchange in Paris: Epstein 'im in paris, any chance you pass through?' Chomsky: 'Bad planning. Were back home. Hope we can cross paths soon.' The relationship had the character of intimate personal friendship.
legal (8)
Chomsky children (Avi, Diane, Harry) jointly opposed Noam's trust interpretations, urged him to meet with trust administrators (July 2017)
In EFTA02358605/EFTA02359014 (July 1-3, 2017), Diana Chomsky wrote a detailed letter on behalf of all three children: 'We are very, very concerned that you are not understanding and not getting help in understanding what is happening with your finances... We feel that you have painted yourself into a corner, in which you arrive at the worst possible interpretation of complex legal language, and then refuse to speak with the very people who could explain it to you.' They specifically challenged Noam's reading of the Promissory Note regarding interest rates and DNI payments. The letter was signed 'Love, Avi, Diane and Harry.' The trust involved a Pershing entity and concerned a loan related to sale of the Lexington house.
Valeria Chomsky described trust dispute as children 'punishing Noam for remarrying' - trustees denying father his own money (July 2017)
In a July 3, 2017 email to Epstein (EFTA02358605), Valeria wrote: 'The whole situation is extremely unfair to Noam. Noam has not been receiving anything from the trust... the condition the children established (one of them as the trustee) to give Noam any access to the marital trust is that he has to disclose all our financial life to them.' She added: 'The problem is that they seem to want to punish Noam for remarrying (maybe unconsciously).' Their lawyer had told Valeria 'in privacy, that the situation is very serious -- children denying their father his own money, money he earned from his work.' Epstein offered to pay the 30k tax shortfall himself and have Richard Kahn mediate.
Epstein described Chomsky's attorney Deborah Pechet Quinan as 'a flake' - actively undermining Chomsky's own legal counsel (Nov 2017)
In EFTA02360069 (Nov 2, 2017), Epstein summarized his conversations to Noam: 'Deborah is a flake. she said she didnt receive an accounting but will check her emails as she is behind in checking. max will resign if asked as trustee, and if harry and one of the girls agrees everything is easy.' Epstein was simultaneously managing the Chomsky trust dispute while characterizing Chomsky's own attorney (Deborah Pechet Quinan, partner at Ropes & Gray spin-off RIW) as incompetent. He also proposed that the Tucson house should have been bought by the trust rather than in Noam's name, showing sophisticated estate planning knowledge applied to Chomsky's affairs.
Harry Chomsky getting own lawyer for trust liquidation - Epstein seeking 'rough numbers' to explain his plan (April 2018)
In EFTA02458009 (April 30, 2018), Epstein wrote to Noam: 'progress? max said harry is speaking to his own attny on thurs this week it would be helpful if i could get rough numbers. and then we can speak and ill explain plan.' Noam replied: 'I don't understand why Harry is getting a lawyer. What do you think the reason is?' Epstein answered: 'He wants independent advice rd liquidation.' This shows: (1) Epstein was in direct communication with trustee Max Kohlenberg about the trust, (2) Harry was retaining separate counsel for what appears to be trust liquidation, and (3) Epstein had a 'plan' he wanted to implement once he had the financial numbers.
Harry Chomsky filed petition with Massachusetts court to appoint new trustee replacing Max Kohlenberg (June 5, 2018)
On June 5, 2018, Harry Chomsky emailed Noam Chomsky: 'Today I filed a petition with the Court in Massachusetts to ask for assistance in appointing a new independent trustee to replace Max.' This confirms actual court filings in Massachusetts regarding the Carol Chomsky marital trust. Harry's attorney Jillian was involved. Epstein immediately inserted himself into the situation, telling Noam 'just me first please I will call them 12 on thurs.'
Diana/Diane Chomsky filed petition with court regarding Chomsky trust in July 2018; Epstein kept informed
Email from July 9, 2018 (EFTA02599773): Noam Chomsky forwarded to Valeria an email from Diana Chomsky with subject 'Fw: Petition with the Court' also CC'ing Avi Chomsky. Diana wrote 'This is what I sent...' indicating she had filed or was preparing to file a court petition. The Chomskys promptly forwarded this to Epstein. Valeria wrote to Epstein the same day: 'Please tell us everything. No euphemisms necessary' and 'It was very good to know what the conversations are. Please let us know if there is something else that I should know.' This shows (1) the children escalated to legal proceedings, (2) Epstein was kept fully informed of legal filings by the children, (3) Epstein was having conversations on behalf of the Chomskys about the trust dispute.
CourtListener search: No federal cases naming Noam Chomsky as plaintiff or defendant; Chomsky v. Chomsky (NJ 1984) is unrelated
CourtListener opinions search returned Chomsky v. Chomsky, 99 N.J. 192, 491 A.2d 693 (1984), from the Supreme Court of New Jersey. This case predates the Epstein relationship and involves different Chomsky family members. Also found: Kinney v. Chomsky (2016, SCOTUS), Appeal of Chomsky (Judith) (1989, 3rd Cir), Howell v. Chomsky (1909, GA). None involve Noam Chomsky as a party. Noam appeared only as declarant in Pentagon Papers case (1:18-mc-91539-ADB, D. Mass. 2018) and as proposed witness in USA v. Afrasiabi (1:21-cr-00046, EDNY 2021-2023). Zero FARA registrations, zero lobbying disclosures, zero investigation report mentions found.
Harry Chomsky filed court action against Noam over Carol Chomsky trust. Vincent Pisegna (Krokidas & Bluestein, Boston) retained as Noam's litigation counsel by Aug 2018. Settlement negotiations ongoing Jan 2019 involving three lawyers (Pisegna, Harry's lawyer, Max's lawyer).
The dispute escalated from internal family disagreement to formal litigation. Aug 20, 2018: Pisegna writes to Lesley Groff: 'I need to get the trust documents soon in order to prepare the response to the action filed against Noam.' The case is styled 'In re Carol S. Chomsky Revocable Trust.' Key players: Vincent Pisegna (Krokidas & Bluestein LLP, 600 Atlantic Ave, Boston) for Noam; unnamed lawyer for Harry; Max Kohlenberg (Howland Evangelista Kohlenberg Burnett LLP, Providence RI) as trustee with own counsel. Tax counsel: David R. Andelman (Lourie & Cutler PC) provided opinion on distribution of note from marital trust. By Jan 2019, draft settlement agreement being circulated.
identity (2)
Noam Chomsky's accountant identified: Nick Nichols at Abrams Little-Gill Loberfeld PC, 1330 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill MA (Jan 2018)
In EFTA02542705 (Jan 6, 2018), Valeria emailed Epstein cc'ing Noam with the subject 'Nick Nichols - Accountant - Abrams Little-Gill Loberfeld PC' providing the accountant's contact information: Abrams Little-Gill Loberfeld PC, CPAs & Business Advisors, 1330 Boylston Street, Suite S10, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, email [email protected]. This was shared with Epstein as part of his involvement in Chomsky financial management.
Epstein in Chomsky contact list at MIT address 984 Memorial Drive Cambridge MA, with wife Valeria's cell noted
Epstein's digital contacts (vCard format) contained entry for Noam Chomsky at MIT, 984 Memorial Drive, Cambridge MA 02138. The contact included work and home email addresses, and a note field reading 'Noam's wife's cell' with Valeria's phone number. This confirms Chomsky was in Epstein's personal address book, not just a casual acquaintance.
location (1)
MassCourts case MI09P0496EA: Carol S. Chomsky estate (DOD 12/19/2008). Filed 02/02/2009 Middlesex Probate. Co-executors: Harry Chomsky and Eric F. Menoyo. Attorney: Pamela Ann Mosny Veasy at Howland Evangelista Kohlenberg LLP (Max Kohlenberg firm). Estate inventory: personal 12045 real estate 1822000. Case closed 03/16/2009. No separate 2018 trust petition found in system.
document (1)
Negative result: No Chomsky entities found in corporate registries (FL, NY, DE, etc.), no ACRIS property records in NYC for Noam/Valeria Chomsky, no SEC EDGAR filings, no OpenSanctions records, no DS10 financial transactions, no Valeria Chomsky FEC donations.
Comprehensive negative search results: (1) Corporate registries: 2 entities found ('Chomsky Legal Services PA' and 'Chomsky Therapy Services Inc') both belong to Ayal Chomsky in Boynton Beach FL — unrelated to Noam. (2) Registry officers: 6 results, all Ayal/Etai/Maya Chomsky in FL — unrelated. (3) Wasserman registry: 20 results, none matching Valeria. (4) ACRIS NYC: 62 records, none for Noam or Valeria Chomsky (matches include Dot Chomsky Quach, Renee Ruth Chomsky, others). (5) SEC EDGAR: 21 incidental mentions in filings of unrelated companies (Artemis Therapeutics, Safer Shot, etc.). (6) No DS10 financial transactions for Chomsky. (7) No OpenSanctions records. (8) No FEC donations for Valeria, Aviva, or Diane Chomsky. Noam has FEC donations. (9) No registry records for Aviva or Diana Chomsky as officers.
Full Timeline
22 events
Full Timeline
22 events- 1.Finding #3577Sources: EFTA02352463Open sourceView source record, EFTA02523748Open sourceView source record, EFTA02541385Open sourceView source record, EFTA02546630Open sourceView source record, EFTA02560343Open sourceView source record, EFTA02567510Open sourceView source record, EFTA02618451Open sourceView source record, EFTA02619075Open sourceView source record
- 2.Finding #3596
- 3.Finding #3585
- 4.Finding #3589
- 5.Finding #3573
- 6.Finding #3554
- 7.Finding #3568
- 8.Finding #3626
- 9.Finding #3586
- 10.Finding #3616
- 11.Finding #3541
- 12.Finding #3630
- 13.Finding #3553
- 14.Finding #3538
- 15.Finding #3590
- 16.Finding #3654
- 17.Finding #3547
- 18.Finding #3569
- 19.Finding #3551
- 20.Finding #3546
- 21.Finding #3540
- 22.Finding #3549
- 23.Finding #3571
- 24.Finding #3593
- 25.Finding #3561
- 26.Finding #3539
- 27.Finding #3625
- 28.Finding #3609
- 29.Finding #3607
- 30.Finding #3545
- 31.Finding #3583
- 32.Finding #3576
- 33.Finding #3608
- 34.Finding #3574
- 35.Finding #3623
- 36.Finding #3627
- 37.Finding #3617
- 38.Finding #3610
- 39.Finding #3621
- 40.Finding #3601
- 41.Finding #3602