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“I was completely unaware of Epstein’s past and criminal activities,” Brende said after news of the connection became public. “Had I known about his background, I would have declined the initial invitation to join [former Norwegian Deputy Prime Minister Terje] Rod-Larsen and any subsequent dinner invitations or other communications.”
Brende had held the WEF’s top leadership role since October 2017, stepping in shortly after leaving his position as Norway’s foreign minister. His abrupt departure leaves the forum searching for new leadership at a critical moment for the global organization.
The scandal in Norway deepens as well. Earlier this month, former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland was formally charged with aggravated corruption linked to Epstein.
Elden Law Firm confirmed to CNN that Jagland, 75, is “charged with aggravated corruption” but “denies all charges.” Investigators allege he received gifts, travel perks, and other benefits during his tenure as a senior official, including his time as chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee and later as secretary-general of the Council of Europe.
Authorities say the charges stem from recently released Justice Department documents exposing Epstein’s connections with influential figures around the world. Norway’s economic crimes unit, Økokrim, has already conducted searches at multiple properties tied to Jagland and plans to question him further. The Council of Europe waived Jagland’s diplomatic immunity to facilitate the investigation.
Jagland denies ever visiting Epstein’s private island and has vowed to cooperate fully with investigators. Legal experts note that formal charges of aggravated corruption mark a significant escalation in Norway’s probe, drawing increased attention to other diplomats and officials mentioned in the Epstein files.
Meanwhile, the Norwegian royal family faces its own controversy. Charities have begun severing or reviewing ties with Crown Princess Mette-Marit due to her past interactions with Epstein, who died in 2019. Newly released documents indicate the princess engaged in notable communications with Epstein, which she reportedly now regrets.
Investigators are examining whether gifts, loans, or travel benefits were linked to Jagland’s official positions. Last week, Jagland’s attorney described property searches as “a normal part of an investigation of this type.”
On the U.S. side, Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that the Justice Department has made public all materials covered by the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Bondi stated the department released “all records, documents, communications, and investigative materials” tied to nine categories outlined by the law, emphasizing that no information was withheld to avoid embarrassment or political fallout.
As the Epstein files continue to unfold globally, the fallout for politicians, diplomats, and royalty shows no sign of slowing. Both Brende’s resignation and Jagland’s charges underscore how far-reaching Epstein’s network truly was—and how closely it intersected with powerful figures worldwide.
