Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick Addresses Controversial Family Visit to Epstein's Island

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed on Tuesday that he visited Jeffrey Epstein's private island in 2012, a revelation that has sparked renewed scrutiny from Senate Democrats regarding his credibility. Recent Justice Department documents indicate a more extensive relationship between Lutnick and Epstein than previously acknowledged.

Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat from Maryland, pointed out discrepancies in Lutnick's past statements, noting that Lutnick had claimed to sever ties with Epstein, his New York neighbor, in 2005. "But now it turns out not to be true," Van Hollen remarked. Lutnick had previously described his interactions with Epstein as "limited," yet evidence shows they were involved in business dealings as late as 2014 and exchanged emails up until 2018, the year before Epstein's death.

"The information recently revealed from the Epstein files shows that your statements were at best highly misleading," Van Hollen stated, further questioning Lutnick's suitability for his current role. "Mr. Lutnick, that does call into question your fitness for the job you now hold and the question of your credibility."

While Lutnick attempted to distance himself from Epstein, he acknowledged the interactions detailed in the newly released files. He insisted that he met with Epstein only twice over a span of 14 years, asserting, "I did not have any relationship with him; I barely had anything to do with that person. Okay?"

However, Lutnick did confirm that he, along with his wife and children, visited Epstein's Caribbean island. "We had lunch on the island, that is true, for an hour. Then we left with all of my children, with my nannies and my wife all together. We were on family vacation. We were not apart. To suggest there was anything untoward about that in 2012, I don't recall why we did it. But we did," he explained.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed continued support for Lutnick, labeling him a "very important member of President Trump's team." Meanwhile, Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley highlighted various interactions between Lutnick and Epstein—ranging from business agreements to emails discussing an art museum's expansion—suggesting that Lutnick's claim of having cut off contact in 2005 was not entirely accurate.

Notably, signatures from both Lutnick and Epstein appear on adjacent pages of a contract dated December 28, 2012, which was first reported by various news outlets. The two men had invested in a now-defunct advertising technology company called Adfin. This contract was signed just four days after Lutnick's visit to Epstein's island.

This business deal occurred more than four years after Epstein pleaded guilty to state charges related to procuring a child for prostitution and soliciting a prostitute, allegations that were part of a broader investigation into sex trafficking.

Democrats on the Appropriations Committee have urged Lutnick to provide documentation proving that his interactions with Epstein were limited to what is already publicly known. Lutnick indicated he would consider this request but did not commit to it outright.

"I will surely talk about that. I hadn't thought about that. I have nothing to hide, absolutely nothing," Lutnick stated.