Did US Commerce Secretary Have Lunch with Epstein on His Private Island?
Synopsis
In a shocking revelation, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has admitted to dining with the infamous Jeffrey Epstein on his private island. This admission raises questions about Lutnick's past ties with Epstein, especially as new files reveal prolonged communication between the two. What implications does this have for Lutnick's political future?
Key Takeaways
Howard Lutnick acknowledged lunch with Jeffrey Epstein in 2012.
Claims to have severed ties with Epstein in 2005.
New evidence shows ongoing communication between Lutnick and Epstein.
Pressure mounts for Lutnick's resignation from his position.
Epstein faced serious legal issues before his death in 2019.
New York, Feb 11 (NationPress) US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick acknowledged that he and his family dined with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on the latter's private island in 2012. "I did have lunch with him, as I was on a boat going across on a family vacation," Lutnick stated during a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing on Tuesday. "And we had lunch on the island, that is true, for an hour."
"I did not have any relationship with him. I barely had anything to do with that person," he asserted in his testimony.
Previously, Lutnick claimed that he severed ties with Epstein in 2005. However, newly released Epstein files from the US Department of Justice in January revealed that he and Epstein maintained contact for years after. Reports also indicated that the two engaged in business dealings as recently as 2014.
As reported by Xinhua news agency, Lutnick is currently facing pressure from both Democrats and some Republicans to resign.
Epstein pleaded guilty to state charges of soliciting a minor for prostitution in 2008. He was arrested again in July 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges and died by suicide in jail on August 10, 2019, prior to his trial.
This January, the US Justice Department started releasing millions of records related to the investigations and prosecutions of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, citing completion of an extensive review mandated by a new transparency law signed by President Donald Trump.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche informed reporters that the department was producing over three million pages of material, including more than 2,000 videos and approximately 180,000 images, as part of compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which was enacted on November 19, 2025.
According to Blanche, "In total, that means that the department produced approximately 3.5 million pages in compliance with the act," he stated at a news conference.
The review effort involved over 500 lawyers and professionals across various divisions, including the FBI and numerous US attorney’s offices. Teams met "twice daily, sometimes more," for nearly 75 days to complete the task.
Point of View
Our focus remains on delivering unbiased and factual reporting. The admission by Secretary Lutnick raises significant questions about accountability and transparency among public officials. We will continue to monitor developments closely, ensuring our audience receives accurate and timely information.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Howard Lutnick admit regarding Jeffrey Epstein?
Howard Lutnick admitted to having lunch with Jeffrey Epstein on his private island in 2012 during a family vacation.
When did Lutnick claim to have cut ties with Epstein?
Lutnick previously stated that he severed contact with Epstein in 2005.
What legal issues did Epstein face?
Jeffrey Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution in 2008 and faced federal sex trafficking charges before his death in 2019.
What recent actions have been taken by the Justice Department regarding Epstein?
The US Justice Department has begun releasing millions of documents related to Epstein's investigations, as part of compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
What is the current political pressure on Lutnick?
Lutnick is under pressure from both Democrats and some Republicans to resign following his admission.
