Lutnick caught in his web. Article here.
On February 10, 2026, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick admitted during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing that he visited Jeffrey Epstein’s private island, Little St. James, in 2012. This admission is a significant reversal of his previous public claims and has sparked intense political scrutiny.
Comprehensive Summary
The controversy stems from the release of over 3.5 million pages of Justice Department files (mandated by the “Virginia’s Law” transparency effort). These documents revealed that Lutnick’s relationship with the late sex offender was more frequent and recent than he had previously stated.
Under oath, Lutnick confirmed he had a one-hour lunch on the island in December 2012 while on a family vacation. He arrived by boat with his wife, four children, nannies, and another couple. This visit occurred four years after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution. Lutnick maintained that his interactions with Epstein were extremely limited—estimating only about 10 emails over 14 years—and denied any wrongdoing, stating he saw nothing inappropriate during the lunch.
The “Deep Takeaway” Dive
1. The Credibility Gap
The primary political issue is not an allegation of illegal activity by Lutnick, but rather a perceived pattern of dishonesty.
- The Previous Story: In late 2025, Lutnick told the “Pod Force One” podcast that he cut ties with Epstein in 2005. He claimed that after seeing a massage table in Epstein’s home, he and his wife decided they would “never be in the room with that disgusting person ever again.”
- The New Reality: The DOJ files show Lutnick was in contact with Epstein as late as 2014 or 2015. This includes drinks in 2011, the 2012 island lunch, and an invitation Lutnick sent to Epstein for a “very intimate” Hillary Clinton fundraiser in 2015.
2. Bipartisan Calls for Resignation
Lutnick is the highest-ranking official in the current administration to face resignation demands over the Epstein files.
- The Critics: Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) have both called for him to step down, arguing that he “lied to the country” about his ties.
- The Defenders: The White House and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) have stood by him, with a spokesperson dismissing the scrutiny as a “failing attempt by the legacy media to distract from the administration’s accomplishments.”
3. The Nanny Connection
One of the more specific and controversial details emerging from the files is an email suggesting Epstein expressed interest in meeting Lutnick’s nanny. Lutnick testified that he had “no idea what that was about” and that it had nothing to do with him, but the inclusion of his household staff in Epstein’s orbit has added a layer of personal scrutiny to the testimony.
4. Broader Political Fallout
Lutnick is a central figure in the administration’s housing and mortgage agenda (specifically regarding Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). Critics argue that the “Epstein cloud” makes him a liability for high-stakes policy negotiations. Meanwhile, survivors of Epstein’s abuse have used the timing of the hearing to push for “Virginia’s Law,” which aims to remove statutes of limitations for sexual abuse civil claims.
5. What Comes Next?
Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) has requested that Lutnick provide all personal records and communications related to Epstein to Congress. Lutnick stated he has “nothing to hide” and would consider the request. The focus now shifts to whether further unredacted documents will reveal deeper business dealings, as some files suggest they may have invested in the same business in 2012.