The national security adviser to Slovakia’s prime minister has stepped down following the public release of documents from the United States. These documents detail exchanges he had with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein concerning young women and diplomatic matters.
Prime Minister Robert Fico announced on Saturday that he had accepted Miroslav Lajčák’s resignation. In a video message, Fico referred to Lajčák as a highly experienced figure in diplomacy and foreign policy.
This departure follows closely on the heels of the U.S. Department of Justice releasing three million files connected to the influential financier. While the released information does not indicate any misconduct by individuals mentioned, including Lajčák, it has reignited scrutiny of those who associated with Epstein.
Among the disclosures is a text conversation from October 2018. At that time, Lajčák was serving as Slovakia’s foreign minister. The exchange shows Lajčák and Epstein engaging in lighthearted discussions about women and an upcoming meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
In one segment, after Epstein sent an image whose content is not visible in the records, Lajčák responded by asking, “Why don’t you invite me for these games? I would take the ‘MI’ girl.” Epstein’s reply was, “Who wouldn’t. You can have them both, I am not possessive. And their sisters.”
Later in the same conversation, Epstein urged Lajčák to request a t-shirt from Lavrov featuring himself and Vitaly Churkin, a Russian ambassador to the UN who had passed away the prior year. Epstein wrote, “You get the tee shirt. Then you get the girls,” a suggestion to which Lajčák agreed.
Epstein then commented, “No kidding their sisters are both swimming in the pool.” Lajčák reacted with, “That’s not fair!” Epstein added a remark about their ages, stating, “Though they’re all under 30. So. Probably too young for you. Or should I say under 50.” Lajčák’s response was, “Don’t be mean. You don’t know me in action.”
Further records show an email from Lajčák to Epstein in November 2017. In this communication, Lajčák requested Epstein’s assistance in getting a female film producer’s movie considered for the shortlist of that year’s Academy Awards.
Initial reports from Slovak media indicated that Lajčák had denied discussing women with Epstein when the files first became public on Friday. He later reportedly stated his intention to resign to prevent potential political damage to Prime Minister Fico.
Prime Minister Fico characterized the public outcry in Slovakia regarding Lajčák’s association with Epstein as an “attack against me.” He expressed his observation of significant hypocrisy in the criticisms directed his way, originating from various sources.
Lajčák had a career spanning four Slovak governments, three of which were led by Fico. He also served as an international diplomat and most recently held the position of EU special representative for the Western Balkans.
The extensive collection of files released on Friday has unveiled new details concerning Epstein’s relationships. Epstein, who died in custody in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges, had connections with numerous prominent individuals, including Elon Musk, Lord Peter Mandelson, Bill Gates, and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
These files also contain images of the former Duke of York. He was consequently stripped of his royal titles due to his association with the disgraced financier. Some images reportedly depict the former prince in a kneeling position on all fours over a woman lying on the ground.