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In a show of support, President-elect Donald Trump has stood by Boris Epshteyn, a top adviser facing allegations of soliciting monthly consulting fees from potential administration nominees in return for lobbying efforts on their behalf. Despite calls for his ouster, Trump's backing highlights the strong trust and loyalty Epshteyn has cultivated with the president-elect.

During discussions with aides at his Mar-a-Lago club, Trump expressed his irritation over what he saw as an attempt to undermine his team members, two sources familiar with the situation reported. Trump’s frustration underscores Epshteyn's crucial role and the confidence Trump has in him, especially after Epshteyn’s guidance through challenging legal issues during Trump’s 2024 campaign.

The issue centers around an internal review led by Trump 2024 campaign's general counsel, David Warrington. The review accused Epshteyn of seeking financial retainers from potential nominees such as Scott Bessent, Trump's choice for treasury secretary. Former Missouri governor Eric Greitens also contributed to the review, alleging that his encounters with Epshteyn implied the need for business dealings to gain Epshteyn’s advocacy.

Epshteyn has denied all accusations. On the night the allegations surfaced, he spent time with Trump, who was buoyed by the recent dismissal of two federal criminal cases against him—a success he attributed to Epshteyn’s legal acumen. This close association with Trump has helped fortify Epshteyn’s position amidst the controversy.

Epshteyn's supporters argue that the internal review was an attempt by Warrington to eliminate Epshteyn after he successfully advocated for Bill McGinley to be appointed as White House counsel over Warrington, who was also vying for the position. Additionally, Tim Parlatore, attorney for Greitens and a former member of Trump's legal team, suggested that the alleged pay-to-play scheme might violate federal law and ethical guidelines. Parlatore speculated about the potential for honest services fraud charges, although he acknowledged the improbability of prosecution, referencing a recent Supreme Court decision that set a precedent for overturning such convictions.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will impact Trump's administration and the individuals involved. However, what is clear is that Trump’s loyalty to his adviser remains unwavering, signaling his disbelief in attempts to influence his decision-making through negative press.