US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has confirmed he visited Jeffrey Epstein's island in 2012, contradicting previous claims that he had cut ties with the sex offender years earlier, before he was convicted. Lutnick testified on Capitol Hill, stating, 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 … We had lunch on the island. That is true. For an hour.
Epstein documents released by the US Department of Justice included correspondence about this visit. Following the confirmation, some lawmakers have called for Lutnick's resignation, yet the White House expressed its full support for him.
Previously, Lutnick claimed he severed ties with Epstein in 2005 after an uncomfortable conversation regarding massage tables. However, his testimony revealed he met Epstein multiple times after this claim. The Department of Justice files point to Lutnick visiting Epstein’s Caribbean island on December 23, 2012, well after Epstein's conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
Senator Chris Van Hollen criticized Lutnick during the hearing, stating that the issue was not about wrongdoing but about misrepresentation of his relationship with Epstein to Congress and the public. Two lawmakers from opposing parties have urged Lutnick to resign, highlighting bipartisan concern over the revelations.
Lutnick insisted that during the 14 years following his initial statement, he had a minimal connection with Epstein, noting that roughly ten emails over a long period linked him to Epstein. Survivors of Epstein's abuse gathered to support new legislation aimed at supporting victims, marking a poignant juxtaposition to Lutnick’s testimony. As calls continue for greater accountability, the controversy surrounding Lutnick's admissions raises significant questions about the interactions of public officials with individuals implicated in serious criminal activities.
Epstein documents released by the US Department of Justice included correspondence about this visit. Following the confirmation, some lawmakers have called for Lutnick's resignation, yet the White House expressed its full support for him.
Previously, Lutnick claimed he severed ties with Epstein in 2005 after an uncomfortable conversation regarding massage tables. However, his testimony revealed he met Epstein multiple times after this claim. The Department of Justice files point to Lutnick visiting Epstein’s Caribbean island on December 23, 2012, well after Epstein's conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
Senator Chris Van Hollen criticized Lutnick during the hearing, stating that the issue was not about wrongdoing but about misrepresentation of his relationship with Epstein to Congress and the public. Two lawmakers from opposing parties have urged Lutnick to resign, highlighting bipartisan concern over the revelations.
Lutnick insisted that during the 14 years following his initial statement, he had a minimal connection with Epstein, noting that roughly ten emails over a long period linked him to Epstein. Survivors of Epstein's abuse gathered to support new legislation aimed at supporting victims, marking a poignant juxtaposition to Lutnick’s testimony. As calls continue for greater accountability, the controversy surrounding Lutnick's admissions raises significant questions about the interactions of public officials with individuals implicated in serious criminal activities.
