Boris Epshteyn, one of the Donald Trump campaign’s top surrogates and a constant presence on TV, was charged with misdemeanor assault in a Scottsdale, Arizona, bar brawl two years ago, the New York Times reported. However, the charge was dropped when Epshteyn agreed to perform community service and take anger management classes, the Times said.
The New York Times profile noted Epshteyn’s ascent from a little-known lawyer and investment firm executive to a recognizable figure in the 2016 campaign. Though he had some experience working for Sen. John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign and did some punditry in 2012, Epshteyn’s involvement with the Trump campaign appears to have stemmed from his relationship with Eric Trump, the nominee’s son, with whom Epshteyn attended Georgetown University, the Times said.
Beyond his TV appearances, he also participates on conferences calls with surrogate disseminating talking points and is a paid staffer. But the Times also reported that some of the television pundits Epshteyn has appeared alongside of have found him to be rude and aggressive even off camera. Epshteyn did not grant the Times’ request for an interview, but responded to the claims in an emailed statement.
”I have utmost respect for all of the great people I have the pleasure to come in contact with,” he wrote to the Times.
Trump campaign spokesmen Jason Miller also defended Epshteyn’s contributions.
“Boris Epshteyn is a tireless and effective advocate for our campaign,” Miller said in a statement, according to the Times.
