World Economic Forum President Borge Brende resigned Thursday after newly released Department of Justice documents exposed his meetings and communications with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, raising serious questions about the judgment of global elites.

Communications Reveal Troubling Relationship

The former Norwegian foreign affairs minister, who led the WEF since October 2017, attended three business dinners with Epstein and exchanged emails and text messages with the financier. A September 2018 email exchange showed Epstein telling Brende that the annual Davos summit “can really replace the UN.” Perhaps most disturbing, a June 2019 text message appeared to show Epstein sending Brende a photo of a woman he referred to with a derogatory term.

Brende said in his resignation statement that he decided to step down “after careful consideration,” citing the need for the Forum to “continue its important work without distractions.” The timing raises questions about what other global leaders may have maintained relationships with Epstein despite his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.

Pattern of Elite Connections Emerges

The resignation adds to a growing list of powerful figures whose connections to Epstein have surfaced since his 2019 arrest on federal sex trafficking charges. Epstein died in jail that same year under circumstances that continue to spark debate. The DOJ documents revealing Brende’s ties represent the latest batch of materials being released as investigations continue into Epstein’s network of relationships with political, business, and cultural leaders.

What This Means for Global Leadership

The World Economic Forum hosts annual meetings in Davos, Switzerland, bringing together world leaders, corporate executives, and influential figures to discuss global issues. Brende’s departure creates uncertainty about the organization’s leadership at a time when its influence over economic and social policy continues to face scrutiny. The organization has not yet announced who will succeed Brende or addressed questions about whether other Forum officials maintained contact with Epstein. This resignation demonstrates how the consequences of association with Epstein continue to impact institutions years after his death.