Documentation from the Epstein files show that Brende and Epstein corresponded numerous times between 2018 and 2019. Børge Brende is also pictured in the Epstein files alongside Steve Bannon and former Norwegian diplomat Terje Rød-Larsen in a picture sent by Jeffrey Epstein in April 2018. Brende has received criticism for explaining away his connection to Jeffrey 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 Jeffrey Epstein sent him of his criminal sentence. Brende claimed he was "completely unaware" of this link and never opened it. Communications between Jeffrey 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.

Prior to the release of the additional files, Brende had in Nov 2025 denied ever having met Epstein. Brende has since stated he didn't know Epstein's criminal background, and that they only met over three formal dinners over two years.

On 15 September 2017, it was announced that Brende will be the president and CEO of the World Economic Forum from mid-October 2017. As of Feb 2026, he has stepped down from his position of CEO.