Leavitt Abruptly Exits WH Briefing Following Inquiry on Lutnick’s Epstein Connection

During a routine briefing on Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt abruptly concluded the session after a reporter inquired about Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's connections to Jeffrey Epstein.

This inquiry surfaced shortly after Lutnick admitted to Congress that he had misrepresented his relationship with the convicted sex offender, who died by suicide while awaiting trial. The admission came in response to documents released by the Justice Department.

About 20 minutes into the briefing, a reporter asked if President Donald Trump would continue to support Lutnick, who had earlier acknowledged visiting Epstein’s infamous private island, Little Saint James. Leavitt affirmed Trump’s backing, labeling Lutnick as “a very important member of President Trump's team.”

However, instead of allowing further questions regarding Trump’s stance on Lutnick, Leavitt pivoted to criticize reporters for not focusing on positive developments highlighted by the administration. “There are a lot of wins in the news this week that people in this room have not asked about,” she stated, expressing frustration over the repeated focus on the same topic.

She proceeded to list recent achievements, including stock market performance, a medical group's opposition to gender transition surgeries for minors, and a decline in national crime rates. “So we're going to get back to business. The president is very busy tonight,” she added before exiting the room with aides.

Leavitt also addressed another document released by the administration, which included a secondhand account suggesting Trump had discussed Epstein with a Palm Beach police chief, asserting that “everyone” was aware of Epstein’s illegal activities. While she refrained from confirming the alleged 2006 phone call, she maintained that Trump has always been “honest and transparent” about his past friendship with Epstein.

Lutnick, who has been a long-time associate of Trump and sought the Treasury Secretary position after serving as finance chief for Trump’s 2024 campaign, has not been as forthcoming regarding his own connections to Epstein. Previously, he told the New York Post that he severed ties with Epstein after a disturbing encounter in 2005, vowing never to be in his presence again.

Contrary to his claims, documents from the Justice Department revealed that Lutnick maintained contact with Epstein until at least 2018 and even arranged a visit to Epstein’s island in 2012. Under questioning from Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, Lutnick confirmed he had lunch on the island during a family vacation. “I did have lunch with him... My wife was with me, as were my four children and nannies,” he recounted.

Despite this admission, Lutnick insisted he had “no relationship with” Epstein and “barely had anything to do with that person.”