The Chonkerton

Boris Epshteyn: Trump's "psychiatrist" and counsel

politics

Boris Epshteyn is Donald Trump's senior personal counsel and, according to Axios, one of the most powerful people in Washington—despite operating largely behind the scenes. Trump has joked that Epshteyn is like his psychiatrist because they speak so frequently that the president puts him on speakerphone without telling others in the room. Under Epshteyn's direction, Trump has secured settlements and wins against ABC, CBS, Meta, Google, and X totaling nearly 90 million dollars, while litigation continues against CNN, the New York Times, and others. His influence extends beyond the courtroom: he chairs Trump Media and maintains close ties to acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Opinions diverge sharply—some insiders credit him as a strategic mastermind essential to Trump's success; others contend his ideas sometimes miss the mark. Yet Trump has kept him close, making Epshteyn perhaps the most shadowy and influential figure in the current administration.

Source: https://www.axios.com/2026/06/15/boris-epshteyn-trump

Listen to this story

Hear this and more stories in a personalized audio briefing.

Open The Chonkerton