Commerce Secretary Lutnick Acknowledges Post-Conviction Meetings With Epstein
Lutnick admitted a May 2011 meeting and a Dec. 2012 island lunch despite earlier claims he cut ties after 2005.
Overview
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick acknowledged during a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing that he met Jeffrey Epstein in May 2011 and had a lunch on Epstein’s private island in Dec. 2012, contradicting his earlier claim that he cut ties after 2005, according to Justice Department records released Jan. 30, 2026.
The admissions follow the Justice Department’s Jan. 30, 2026, release of about 3 million pages of Epstein-related records that have triggered scrutiny of politicians and financiers, according to officials and lawmakers.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., told Lutnick he had 'misled the country and the Congress' and requested documentation, while Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., called for Lutnick’s resignation and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump fully supports the secretary.
Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., said the files show eight post-2005 interactions involving Lutnick, and Lutnick testified he met Epstein 'three times over 14 years' and that his Dec. 2012 island lunch included his wife, four children and nannies, according to his testimony and the records.
Sen. Van Hollen formally requested documents from Lutnick and warned Congress may pursue subpoenas or further oversight if his explanations do not align with the released records, while Lutnick told senators 'I have nothing to hide.'
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story around contradiction and accountability by emphasizing Lutnick’s reversed timeline, using evaluative verbs ('downplayed') and charged descriptors ('disgraced financier'). They prioritize critical lawmakers' reactions and international comparisons (UK resignations). Quotes from officials are presented as source content, while editorial choices steer readers toward scrutiny.
Sources (7)
FAQ
Lutnick admitted to a May 2011 meeting and a December 2012 lunch on Epstein’s private island, Little St. James, with his wife, four children, and nannies.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen accused Lutnick of misleading Congress and the public by claiming he cut ties with Epstein after 2005, despite evidence of later interactions; Sen. Jeff Merkley noted eight post-2005 interactions in the files.
Lutnick emailed Epstein while vacationing in the Caribbean with his family and another family to arrange a meal; Epstein's assistant provided details for Little St. James, and a follow-up message said 'Nice seeing you.'
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Donald Trump fully supports Commerce Secretary Lutnick.
Documents show a 2017 donation by Epstein to a charity dinner honoring Lutnick and 2018 emails about opposing construction plans near their neighboring New York homes.
History
3 sources