"Børge Brende is also pictured in the Epstein Files alongside Steve Bannon and former Norwegian diplomat Terje Rød-Larsen in a picture sent by Epstein in April 2018.[35]
Brende has received criticism for explaining away his connection to Epstein. He has claimed he was completely unaware of his criminal actions and past, but the Epstein Files show that he sent a thumbs up emoji to a link Epstein sent him of his criminal sentence.[40] Brende claimed he was "completely unaware" of this link and never opened it. Communications between Epstein and Brende also show them ridiculing the wife of Benjamin Netanyahu, Sara Netanyahu, calling her "Miss Piggy". Brende contended he didn't remember these messages.[41][42] Brende stated in November 2025 that he had "nothing to do with Epstein".[43] The Epstein Files showed that they had exchanged 120 messages and met on several occasions.[44][45] Brende has frequently amended his explanations faced with new evidence of his communications with Epstein.[46] He has not released any statements where he offers sympathy or apologies to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein.[47]
On 26 February, he resigned from his position at the World Economic Forum "
SOURCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borge_Brende
