Washington D.C. – U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed on that he had lunch with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Epstein’s private island in 2012. The admission, made during testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee, has intensified calls for his resignation from both Democrats and Republicans, adding to the growing political fallout surrounding Epstein’s network of associates.
Lutnick stated that he was on a family vacation at the time, traveling by boat when he stopped for lunch at Epstein’s island. “I did have lunch with him, as I was on a boat going across on a family vacation,” he told the committee. He further detailed that his wife, four children, and nannies were with him, and that another couple with their children were also present. He described the visit as lasting approximately an hour.
The revelation comes amidst increased scrutiny of individuals who had connections with Epstein, who pleaded guilty to state prostitution-related charges in Florida in 2008, including soliciting a minor, in a controversial plea deal that shielded him from federal prosecution. Recent disclosures of previously unreleased court documents related to Epstein’s case have triggered a wave of investigations and demands for accountability.
Republican Congressman Thomas Massie was among the first to publicly call for Lutnick’s resignation over the weekend, suggesting that the Commerce Secretary should step down to avoid further complicating matters for President Trump, who himself had a prior friendship with Epstein. Massie, speaking on CNN’s Inside Politics, drew a comparison to the situation in the United Kingdom, where the Epstein scandal led to the downfall of Prince Andrew and forced Peter Mandelson to relinquish his position as UK ambassador to Washington. “If this were Great Britain, he’d already be gone,” Massie stated.
The calls for Lutnick’s resignation are not limited to the Republican side of the aisle. Democratic Congressman Robert Garcia of California took to social media, posting on X (formerly Twitter) on that “Lutnick must resign or be fired” and demanded answers to questions regarding the extent of his relationship with Epstein. Other Democrats, including Representatives Ro Khanna, Ted Lieu, and Melanie Stansbury, as well as Senator Adam Schiff, have also publicly urged Lutnick to step down.
The White House, however, has signaled its continued support for Lutnick. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on that Lutnick “remains a very important member” of the President’s team and that President Trump “fully supports” him. This public backing underscores the political sensitivities surrounding the issue and the potential ramifications of Lutnick’s departure.
During his testimony, Lutnick attempted to downplay the significance of his interactions with Epstein, claiming he “barely had anything to do” with him. He recounted meeting Epstein initially when they lived next door to each other in New York, and then two further times over the following 14 years. “So six years later, I met him, and then a year and a half after that, I met him, and never again,” he testified.
However, Lutnick’s account contradicts previously undisclosed information contained within the recently released Epstein files. These documents reportedly show Lutnick discussing a visit to Epstein’s island in 2012, four years after Epstein was sentenced to 13 months in jail for procuring a minor for prostitution. Lutnick had previously stated that he distanced himself from Epstein in 2005, raising questions about the accuracy of his earlier statements.
The situation highlights the enduring impact of the Epstein scandal, which continues to reverberate through political and social circles years after his death. The ongoing release of court documents and the scrutiny of individuals connected to Epstein are likely to keep the issue in the public eye for the foreseeable future. The case also underscores the challenges faced by governments and institutions in addressing the complex legacy of sexual abuse and exploitation, and the need for greater transparency and accountability.
The implications of Lutnick’s continued presence in the administration, given his acknowledged connection to Epstein, remain unclear. While the White House has expressed its support, the mounting pressure from both sides of the political spectrum could ultimately prove difficult to withstand. The unfolding situation is being closely watched as a test of the administration’s commitment to addressing the issues raised by the Epstein scandal and holding individuals accountable for their associations.
