Lutnick admits lunch with Epstein on his island, despite earlier denial
Lutnick admits lunch with Epstein on his island, despite earlier denial
Emails contradict Lutnick's claim of never being in Epstein's orbit, revealing a lunch on Epstein's island during a family vacation.
Washington — U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee and disclosed that he and his family dined with Jeffrey Epstein on Little St. James during a 2012 family vacation, contradicting his earlier claim that he never spent time in Epstein's circle.
Lutnick told lawmakers that the lunch lasted about an hour after he was crossing a boat to the island. He said, "My wife was with me as were my four children and nannies. I had another couple with their children. And we had lunch on the island. That is true. For an hour. And we left with all of my children." He added, "I did not have any relationship with Epstein. I barely had anything to do with that person." The emails released by the Justice Department suggested Lutnick severely mischaracterized his relationship with Epstein when speaking to the New York Post last year.
The disclosures come from a tranche of emails released by the Justice Department, which also show Lutnick's account may have differed from what he told the New York Post last year when he insisted that, after a single encounter, he resolved never to be in the same room with Epstein again. The island visit occurred after Epstein had already been convicted of procuring a minor for prostitution and of soliciting a prostitute.
Democrats and ethics watchers said the new details underscore questions about transparency and the way public officials describe ties to high-profile figures. Lutnick has said he will continue to answer questions in briefings and public hearings, as lawmakers scrutinize Epstein-related documents released in ongoing investigations.
