During a congressional committee hearing on Tuesday, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that he and his family had a lunch with Jeffrey Epstein on the financier's private Caribbean island in 2012. Epstein, who was both a financier and convicted sex offender, is known for his criminal history and subsequent public scandal.
Lutnick explained that the meeting occurred while he was on a family vacation and was traveling by boat to the island. "I did have lunch with him, as I was on a boat going across on a family vacation. My wife was with me, as were my four children and nannies," he told senators. The luncheon lasted about an hour, after which Lutnick said they departed, accompanied by his children and their caretakers. He also indicated uncertainty regarding the reason for participating in the lunch.
Despite this confirmed meeting, Lutnick denied maintaining any deep or ongoing relationship with Epstein. He recounted that the two had met previously as neighbors in New York but stressed the absence of a significant connection. Citing an analysis of documents released publicly, Lutnick mentioned there may be "10 emails connecting me with him over a 14 year period," which he described as minimal. "I did not have any relationship with him. I barely had anything to do with that person," said Lutnick.
These disclosures have reignited questions about the nature and extent of Lutnick's associations with Epstein. In particular, they place earlier public statements from the Commerce Secretary under scrutiny. Republican Representative Thomas Massie, who co-authored legislation that forced the release of Epstein-related files, had earlier called on Lutnick to resign over his connections to Epstein.
Past characterizations by Lutnick that he severed ties with Epstein in 2005 are now challenged by the documentation indicating continued contact, including the 2012 island visit. These revelations have compounded broader repercussions felt globally due to the emergence of the Epstein files. For example, in the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership is questioned following the resignation of aides associated with Epstein. Similarly, in Norway, Crown Princess Mette-Marit confronts inquiries about her future role amid disclosures about her friendly relationship with Epstein.
During the hearing focused primarily on broadband funding deployment, Democratic senators acknowledged that Lutnick was not accused of wrongdoing but emphasized their concern over his previous statements about Epstein, which they argued were misleading. In particular, Lutnick’s interview with the New York Post’s podcast "Pod Force One" last year drew attention, in which he recounted a 2005 visit to Epstein’s home where he became uncomfortable and subsequently vowed never to be around Epstein again.
In the podcast, Lutnick described an awkward interaction involving a massage table in Epstein’s residence and Epstein stating that he had massages "every day," followed by an inappropriate comment suggesting a "right kind of massage." He stated, "If that guy was there, I wasn’t going, because he’s gross."
However, the later admission that he was on Epstein’s private island years after the alleged repudiation contradicts the narrative that he completely cut contact. Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland criticized Lutnick’s prior claims, stating that the Secretary "totally misled the American public, the survivors, the Congress" and that the revelation "completely undermines his credibility." Van Hollen further called Lutnick’s decision to visit the island with his family "extremely bad judgment."
Van Hollen stressed the importance of Lutnick’s credibility, noting that claiming no further contact with Epstein while later visiting the island with children and nannies present raises serious concerns. He urged that Lutnick has considerable explaining to do regarding these inconsistencies.
Other Democratic senators on the committee, including Chris Coons and Jeff Merkley, indicated to the press that they believe Lutnick should consider resignation if he fails to provide a comprehensive and credible account of his interactions with Epstein.
Meanwhile, the White House has not indicated any plans to remove Lutnick from his position. White House Press Secretary Leavitt reaffirmed support during a press briefing on the same day, stating, "Secretary Lutnick remains a very important member of President Trump’s team, and the president fully supports the secretary."
This episode underscores ongoing tensions as Epstein’s associations continue to affect political and business figures worldwide, with the Commerce Secretary’s case exemplifying the challenges around disclosure, accountability, and public trust.