US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick admitted on , to visiting Jeffrey Epstein’s private island in 2012, a revelation that has triggered bipartisan calls for his resignation. The admission came during a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing where Lutnick was questioned about his past relationship with the convicted sex offender, as reported by multiple news outlets including ABC News, CNBC and the New York Post.
Lutnick testified that he, his wife, their four children, and nannies, along with another family and their children, had lunch on Little Saint James island – commonly referred to as Epstein’s “Pedophile Island” – while on a family vacation. He stated the visit lasted approximately one hour. “I did have lunch with him, as I was on a boat going across on a family vacation,” Lutnick told the subcommittee. “My wife was with me, as were my four children and nannies.”
This admission directly contradicts previous statements Lutnick made in October, where he claimed to have vowed in 2005 to “never be in a room” with Epstein again, according to reporting from the BBC. Emails released by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) in late January further revealed Lutnick and his family had actively planned the visit, with his wife, Allison Lutnick, emailing Epstein’s assistant in December 2012 expressing their anticipation. The email detailed the size of their group – two families with a total of eight children ranging in age from 7 to 16.
The newly released Epstein files, comprising millions of pages, were mandated for release by a law passed last year. Lutnick’s correspondence included inquiries about logistical details for his boat captain and a request to schedule dinner with Epstein. He wrote to a redacted recipient days before his wife’s email, asking if a Sunday evening dinner would be suitable, indicating a planned multi-day interaction.
Despite the revelations, a Commerce Department spokesperson stated that Lutnick has never been accused of any wrongdoing in connection to Epstein. However, Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat from Maryland, accused Lutnick of “totally misrepresented” the extent of their relationship “to the Congress, to the American people and to the survivors of his despicable criminal and predatory acts.”
The timing of this disclosure is particularly sensitive, coming after Lutnick previously stated he had cut ties with Epstein years before Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to a state-level charge of soliciting a minor for prostitution. The renewed scrutiny raises questions about the thoroughness of vetting processes for high-ranking government officials and the potential for undisclosed conflicts of interest.
Lutnick’s position as Commerce Secretary places him in a critical role overseeing US trade policy and economic development. The controversy surrounding his association with Epstein could potentially undermine his credibility and effectiveness in this role, particularly as the administration navigates complex international economic challenges.
When asked if he observed anything inappropriate during his visit to the island, Lutnick responded that he only saw staff members. This response is likely to fuel further criticism, as it does not address the broader concerns about the nature of Epstein’s activities on the island and the potential for exposure to harmful situations.
The calls for Lutnick’s resignation are bipartisan, indicating a widespread concern about the ethical implications of his continued service in a prominent government position. The situation underscores the lasting impact of the Epstein scandal and the ongoing efforts to hold individuals accountable for their associations with the convicted sex offender. The Justice Department’s continued release of Epstein files is expected to yield further revelations and potentially implicate other high-profile individuals.
The financial implications of this scandal for Lutnick are currently unclear. While he has not been accused of any wrongdoing, the reputational damage could impact his business interests and future career prospects. The scrutiny surrounding his past dealings with Epstein is likely to continue, potentially leading to further investigations and legal challenges.
