WEF President Resigns Amid Epstein Scandal; Leadership Turmoil and Global Scrutiny Intensify
February 27, 2026
Reporting continues with references to additional Epstein-related inquiries, signaling that developments around the issue are ongoing.
UK NEETs rose to 957,000 in late 2025, highlighting persistent youth unemployment pressures amid broader AI-related concerns.
Norway’s elite scrutiny continues as investigations into Jagland highlight demands for transparency within Norwegian institutions.
Access to some content is restricted to subscribers of Le Figaro.
Uncertainty persists around leadership at the WEF and how corporations will respond to the Epstein-file fallout.
Epstein’s history of abusing young women and his 2019 death are central context for the ongoing disclosures.
Public disclosures involve dinners, emails, and SMS messages that illuminate Epstein’s extensive network without implying wrongdoing by all named individuals.
U.S. Department of Justice releases over three million Epstein-related documents, intensifying international scrutiny of his connections to leaders and prominent figures.
Davos remains a focal point of controversy as the WEF faces governance challenges amid leadership changes tied to the Epstein saga.
The broader context notes a string of scandals surrounding the WEF over the past two years, affecting its reputation as a leading global forum.
The World Economic Forum announced that Børge Brende will resign from the presidency to allow the forum to press on without distractions after an independent review found no new concerns beyond what was already known about his contacts with Jeffrey Epstein.
Brende acknowledged meeting Epstein for dinners in 2018 and 2019, and new documents show texts and emails between Brende and Epstein.
Summary based on 39 sources
Get a daily email with more World News stories
Sources

The Guardian • Feb 26, 2026
Boss of World Economic Forum quits after links to Epstein revealed
The Guardian • Feb 26, 2026
World Economic Forum CEO quits after Epstein links examined – business live
BBC News • Feb 26, 2026
World Economic Forum boss Borge Brende quits after review of Jeffrey Epstein links
Business Insider • Feb 26, 2026
The CEO of the World Economic Forum is stepping down after a review of his Epstein ties