Ossoff challenged to return Epstein-linked donation or retract attack on GOP

Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia is facing criticism and a challenge from his Republican opponent, Rep. Mike Collins, to return a campaign donation from billionaire Reid Hoffman, who has acknowledged visiting Jeffrey Epstein's private island. Collins contends that Ossoff's acceptance of the maximum legal contribution of $7,000 from Hoffman, a venture capitalist, and $1 million to an Ossoff-linked PAC, makes him a hypocrite given Ossoff's rhetoric against wealthy elites and "big money in politics."

Ossoff has framed his re-election campaign as a stand against the influence of wealthy donors and has accused Republicans of representing an "Epstein class" of elites. However, Collins argues that Ossoff's ties to Hoffman undermine this message. Hoffman has not been accused of any wrongdoing, but he has publicly stated he visited Epstein's island and has since apologized for his association with Epstein.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Collins stated that Ossoff must either return Hoffman's donation or explain why his own top donor does not fit the "Epstein class" he critiques. Collins criticized Ossoff for accepting money from Hoffman, who he said was named in "Epstein files as an Epstein friend."

"If he did, he certainly wouldn't be associating himself with some of the Epstein friends out there, just taking money directly, maxed out, from Reid Hoffman who was in the Epstein files as an Epstein friend," Collins said.

Hoffman, based in Seattle, admitted to staying overnight on Epstein's island as part of an MIT fundraising trip. He has also reportedly sent Epstein ice cream with a note that read, "for him or for the girls." Hoffman later apologized for his involvement, stating that by participating in fundraising activities with Epstein, he helped "repair his reputation and perpetuate injustice."

In addition to the $7,000 direct contribution to Ossoff's campaign, Hoffman donated $1 million in August to New Engagement PAC, a Georgia-based political action committee managed by Alexander Edelman, a former senior advisor to Ossoff. FEC filings indicate that New Engagement PAC has spent nearly $500,000 on media opposing Collins.

Collins further suggested that Ossoff is using his Georgia Senate campaign as a stepping stone for a potential presidential run, alleging that the senator is motivated by acquiring as much funding as possible regardless of its source. "It's very clear that this guy is just using Georgia as a platform. He is going to get as much money as he can. He does not care where it comes from," Collins stated.

Collins demanded that Ossoff condemn Hoffman and return the donation. He also called for Hoffman to cease funding Ossoff's campaign.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Hoffman through his firm Greylock and to Ossoff's campaign for comment.