U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has confirmed he visited Jeffrey Epstein’s Caribbean island in 2012, contradicting prior claims that he had cut ties with the convicted sex offender years earlier. Lutnick testified to Congress that the visit occurred during a family vacation and lasted about an hour.
The revelation comes as part of the ongoing review of more than 3.5 million documents released by the Department of Justice under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Lawmakers are scrutinizing the materials for potential undisclosed connections to Epstein.
Details of the Visit
Confirmation of Lunch on Epstein’s Island
Lutnick testified that he, his wife, four children, and nannies had lunch on Epstein’s island in December 2012, four years after Epstein was convicted for soliciting child prostitution. He acknowledged the visit for the first time publicly, saying:
“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.”
Emails released by the Justice Department show correspondence from Lutnick’s wife to Epstein’s assistant confirming the visit.
Prior Claims About Epstein Ties
Previously, Lutnick said he cut ties with Epstein in 2005, after Epstein allegedly used sexual innuendo to justify owning a massage table in his home. Lutnick testified that over a 14-year period, he met Epstein only two other times aside from the island visit. He emphasized that he did not maintain a significant relationship with Epstein.
Congressional Reaction
Bipartisan Calls for Accountability
Lutnick faced questioning from lawmakers, including Senator Chris Van Hollen, who said:
“The issue is not that you engaged in any wrongdoing … but that you totally misrepresented the extent of your relationship with him.”
Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna and Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, co-sponsors of the law that released the Epstein files, have called on Lutnick to resign.
White House Response
The White House stated that Lutnick continues to have full support from President Donald Trump, despite calls for resignation.
Other Names in the Epstein Files
Les Wexner, former CEO of Victoria’s Secret, was partially unredacted after lawmakers highlighted his name. He has been identified in FBI documents as a potential “co-conspirator” but has not been accused of wrongdoing.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, CEO of Dubai Ports World, was also named.
Appearing in the files does not imply wrongdoing; many are listed as sources of information or peripheral contacts.
Why This Matters
The case highlights ongoing oversight of Epstein’s network and the transparency of public officials’ past interactions. While Lutnick has not been accused of criminal conduct, the disclosure of the visit raises questions about truthfulness in congressional testimony and public trust.
Additionally, the files have broader implications for accountability, as survivors of Epstein’s abuse continue to push for legislation like Virginia’s Law, removing time limits for civil claims.
Bottom Line
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick publicly confirmed visiting Jeffrey Epstein’s island in 2012, contradicting earlier statements about cutting ties in 2005. While he denies ongoing contact, lawmakers from both parties have expressed concerns about misrepresentation. The Justice Department documents continue to shed light on Epstein’s connections to high-profile figures, with broader implications for transparency and survivor advocacy.
Read more: Lawmakers Call for Unredacted Epstein Files
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Lutnick do anything illegal by visiting Epstein?
No. He has not been accused of wrongdoing; the visit is controversial because it occurred after Epstein’s conviction.
When did the visit occur?
December 23, 2012, during a family vacation.
How many times did Lutnick meet Epstein?
Aside from the island visit, Lutnick recalled two other meetings over 14 years.
Are there calls for Lutnick to resign?
Yes. Bipartisan lawmakers have called for his resignation, though the White House supports him.
Does appearing in Epstein files mean wrongdoing?
No. Many names are included as sources or contacts and are not accused of criminal activity.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed visiting Jeffrey Epstein’s island in 2012, raising scrutiny over his prior statements. Lawmakers call for accountability, though no wrongdoing has been alleged. The Epstein files continue to reveal high-profile connections.
