Under-fire Trump commerce secretary confirms he visited Epstein's island

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed he visited Jeffrey Epstein's island in 2012, contradicting previous statements that he had severed ties with Epstein years earlier. Lutnick testified on Capitol Hill that he had lunch with Epstein on the island with his family during a vacation. This confirmation follows the release of Epstein documents by the Justice Department that included correspondence about the visit. Lutnick previously told Congress he ended contact with Epstein in 2005, but now admits to two additional meetings, including the island visit four years after Epstein's conviction for soliciting prostitution from a child. While Lutnick maintains he had minimal contact with Epstein over a 14-year period, some lawmakers have criticized him for misrepresenting the extent of their relationship. The White House has stated that President Trump continues to support Lutnick.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick admitted to meeting with Jeffrey Epstein twice after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a child. This acknowledgment, made during a Senate Appropriations Committee subcommittee hearing on Tuesday, contradicts Lutnick's previous statements that he had severed ties with Epstein after 2005. Lutnick downplayed the relationship, describing it as a few emails and two meetings. Democrats questioned Lutnick about his connections to the disgraced financier, who was once his neighbor in New York City. The hearing took place in Washington, D.C. and focused on Lutnick's relationship with Epstein.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick admitted to visiting Jeffrey Epstein's private island in 2012, after Epstein's conviction as a sex offender. Lutnick stated he had lunch on the island with his wife, children, and nannies while on a family vacation. This admission came during a Senate panel hearing where Lutnick was questioned about Justice Department documents indicating a planned visit. These documents also suggest Lutnick previously mischaracterized the nature of his relationship with Epstein. Lutnick had previously claimed to have avoided being alone with Epstein after moving next door to him in 2005. The revelations have led to calls for Lutnick's resignation.