February 18, 2026, marked a day of significant developments across multiple fronts for the Trump administration, with congressional testimony revealing new details about the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, escalating tensions in the Middle East, and an ongoing budget impasse threatening homeland security operations.
The most detailed revelations came from a closed-door deposition by billionaire retailer Les Wexner, the former chief executive of L Brands, which owned Victoria's Secret. Wexner, whose financial relationship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has long been scrutinized, appeared before the House Oversight Committee in Ohio to answer questions about his decades-long association with the disgraced financier.
According to sources familiar with the proceedings, Wexner told lawmakers that he had been "conned" by Epstein, describing himself as "naïve, foolish, and gullible" for placing trust in his former money manager. The billionaire, who has never been charged with any crime, maintained that he had "done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide" regarding his involvement with Epstein's illegal activities.
The deposition revealed that Epstein had misappropriated "several hundred million dollars" from Wexner and his family, though the two parties ultimately reached a private settlement in which Epstein agreed to return $100 million. This figure, previously reported by CNN, represents only a fraction of the total amount allegedly stolen. Committee sources indicated that Wexner struggled to explain why he made minimal efforts to recover the full extent of his assets or pursue retaliation against Epstein if he was indeed a victim of fraud.
Particularly problematic for Wexner's narrative was his difficulty in providing precise details about when and how he severed ties with Epstein. The timeline of their relationship's dissolution remains murky, with Wexner unable to offer clear answers about the exact moment he discovered Epstein's criminal activities and took action to distance himself. This lack of clarity has raised additional questions about the nature of their relationship and what Wexner may have known about Epstein's operations.
In a three-page statement submitted to the committee, Wexner elaborated on his perspective: "I was naïve, foolish, and gullible to put any trust in Jeffrey Epstein. He was a con man. And while I was conned, I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide." The statement attempted to frame his relationship with Epstein as purely professional, though new details emerged during questioning that complicated this characterization.
Sources revealed that Wexner admitted to visiting Epstein's private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, his Palm Beach mansion, and his New Mexico ranch, though he claimed to have visited each location only once. These admissions contradict previous attempts to portray their relationship as strictly business-oriented and raise new questions about the depth of their personal connection. The island, often referred to as "Little St. James," has been alleged to be a site of many of Epstein's crimes, making any visit there particularly significant.
A spokesperson for Wexner defended his performance in the deposition, stating that "Mr. Wexner honestly answered every question put to him today by the Committee. Mr. Wexner reiterated that has he has no knowledge of, and did not participate in, Epstein’s illegal conduct. He stands by that fervently." The spokesperson emphasized that Wexner had fully cooperated with congressional investigators and had voluntarily appeared for the deposition.
The House Oversight Committee's probe into the Epstein case continues to examine how the convicted sex offender cultivated relationships with powerful business figures and what knowledge they may have had about his criminal enterprise. Wexner's testimony represents a crucial piece of this investigation, as his financial ties to Epstein were among the most substantial of any individual connected to the scandal. The committee is reportedly seeking to understand the full scope of Epstein's network and how he used his connections to evade scrutiny for so many years.
While the Epstein investigation dominated headlines, the Trump administration faced mounting pressure on international and domestic fronts. In the Middle East, the White House refused to commit to any specific timeline for diplomatic negotiations with Iran, even as the United States continues a significant military buildup in the region. The administration's ambiguous stance has fueled speculation about potential military action and concerns about the path forward.
Israeli sources informed CNN that the country has raised its military alert level amid growing indications of a potential joint US-Israel attack on Iran. The heightened state of readiness reflects escalating concerns about Iran's nuclear program and regional activities. Meanwhile, new satellite imagery and think-tank analysis reveal that Iran is actively fortifying several of its nuclear facilities, suggesting preparations for potential conflict and raising the stakes for any diplomatic or military action.
The combination of US military positioning, Israeli alert status, and Iranian defensive measures has created a volatile situation in the region. Diplomatic observers note that the lack of a clear timeline for talks leaves room for miscalculation and unintended escalation. The international community is watching closely as tensions continue to build, with many calling for renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent military confrontation.
Domestically, the administration remained deadlocked with congressional Democrats over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Donald Trump has not yet spoken directly with Democrats to resolve the impasse. The lack of direct communication at the presidential level suggests the stalemate may continue for the foreseeable future.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated that Democrats are waiting on the administration's response to their proposals, indicating that the ball is in the White House's court. The funding dispute threatens critical homeland security operations, including border security, disaster response, and counterterrorism efforts, though both sides appear entrenched in their positions with no immediate resolution in sight.
The day's events illustrated the complex challenges facing the Trump administration simultaneously: addressing fallout from one of the most notorious criminal cases in recent history, managing delicate international security crises, and navigating domestic political divisions over essential government funding. As congressional investigations continue to uncover new details about Epstein's network, Middle East tensions simmer with potential for escalation, and budget negotiations stall with no clear path forward, the administration's ability to manage these multiple crises will face continued scrutiny from lawmakers, the media, and the public.