Slovakia’s National Security Adviser Miroslav Lajčák has tendered his resignation after newly released court documents revealed his communications with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The documents, part of a three-million-page release by the U.S. Department of Justice, show exchanges between Lajčák and Epstein that included discussions about women and diplomatic favors.
Prime Minister Robert Fico confirmed accepting the resignation in a Saturday video address, praising Lajčák as ‘an incredible source of experience in diplomacy and foreign policy.’ The resignation comes amid growing political pressure in Slovakia regarding Lajčák’s association with Epstein, who died in custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
The released correspondence includes a October 2018 text exchange where Epstein and Lajčák engaged in banter about women prior to a scheduled meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Epstein suggested Lajčák could ‘have them both’ regarding unidentified women, while Lajčák jokingly requested an invitation to ‘these games’ and claimed he would ‘take the MI girl.’ The conversation later shifted to Epstein requesting a t-shirt featuring Lavrov and deceased Russian UN ambassador Vitaly Churkin.
In a separate November 2017 email, Lajčák asked Epstein to assist a female film producer with Oscar consideration for her movie. While the documents don’t indicate illegal activity by Lajčák, they have raised ethical questions about his judgment while serving as Slovakia’s foreign minister.
Lajčák initially denied discussing women with Epstein when the files surfaced Friday but subsequently opted to resign to prevent political damage to Prime Minister Fico’s government. Fico characterized the criticism as ‘an attack against me’ and denounced what he called widespread hypocrisy in the response.
The veteran diplomat had served in four Slovak governments, including three under Fico’s leadership, and most recently acted as EU special representative for the western Balkans. His resignation highlights the continuing ripple effects of the Epstein case, which has implicated numerous high-profile figures globally, including business leaders, politicians, and royalty.