U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has confirmed he visited Jeffrey Epstein's island in 2012, contradicting previous claims that he had cut ties with the sex offender years earlier, before he was convicted. Lutnick testified on Capitol Hill, stating, 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. This admission brought to light correspondence included in Epstein documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Despite calls for his resignation from some lawmakers, the White House expressed full support for Lutnick. He had previously told Congress that he severed ties with Epstein in 2005 after uncomfortable interactions with the financier. The recent revelation has reignited scrutiny on Lutnick’s connections to Epstein, who had been previously convicted for soliciting prostitution from a child.
Lutnick's testimony represents his first public acknowledgment of the visit, which had previously contradicted his claims of minimal contact with Epstein. Senator Chris Van Hollen pointed out the misrepresentation of Lutnick's relationship with Epstein, highlighting the need for honesty to the American people and survivors of Epstein's criminal acts.
The Justice Department files revealed that Lutnick's visit occurred on December 23, 2012, four years post-Epstein's conviction. While he noted he had met Epstein only a few times since cutting ties, Lutnick claimed that he had no substantial relationship. Additionally, Congressman Ro Khanna and Congressman Thomas Massie, part of the bipartisan push for transparency, both called for Lutnick's resignation.
On the same day as Lutnick's testimony, survivors of Epstein's abuse announced new legislation designed to eliminate the statute of limitations for civil claims, emphasizing the urgent need for justice. Virginia Giuffre, a prominent figure among survivors, was memorialized as they push for accountability and legislative action.
Despite calls for his resignation from some lawmakers, the White House expressed full support for Lutnick. He had previously told Congress that he severed ties with Epstein in 2005 after uncomfortable interactions with the financier. The recent revelation has reignited scrutiny on Lutnick’s connections to Epstein, who had been previously convicted for soliciting prostitution from a child.
Lutnick's testimony represents his first public acknowledgment of the visit, which had previously contradicted his claims of minimal contact with Epstein. Senator Chris Van Hollen pointed out the misrepresentation of Lutnick's relationship with Epstein, highlighting the need for honesty to the American people and survivors of Epstein's criminal acts.
The Justice Department files revealed that Lutnick's visit occurred on December 23, 2012, four years post-Epstein's conviction. While he noted he had met Epstein only a few times since cutting ties, Lutnick claimed that he had no substantial relationship. Additionally, Congressman Ro Khanna and Congressman Thomas Massie, part of the bipartisan push for transparency, both called for Lutnick's resignation.
On the same day as Lutnick's testimony, survivors of Epstein's abuse announced new legislation designed to eliminate the statute of limitations for civil claims, emphasizing the urgent need for justice. Virginia Giuffre, a prominent figure among survivors, was memorialized as they push for accountability and legislative action.
