Trump’s Commerce Secretary Admits Ties to Epstein, Visited Infamous Private Island

Washington: Howard Lutnick, the U.S. Commerce Secretary under former President Donald Trump, has admitted to having connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Lutnick confirmed before Congress that he visited Epstein’s notorious private island in 2012 and had lunch with him there.

Visit Occurred After Epstein’s Conviction

The trip to Epstein’s Caribbean private island occurred four years after Epstein was convicted of sexually abusing a minor, highlighting that Lutnick knowingly visited the island while Epstein was a registered sex offender. Epstein had pleaded guilty to procuring a minor for prostitution and had served a prison sentence.

Family Accompanied Lutnick

When questioned by the congressional committee, Lutnick acknowledged, “It’s true. I had lunch with him while I was on a family vacation by boat.” He added that his wife, four children, and nanny were present and that the lunch lasted about an hour. Lutnick did not recall the exact reason for visiting the island, stating, “I don’t remember why we went, but we did.” He also revealed that he had met Epstein only three times over 14 years, exchanging about 10 emails.

Documentation Confirms Visit

Recently, the U.S. Department of Justice released 3 million pages of documents, photos, and videos related to Epstein. These files confirm that Lutnick visited Little Saint James Island on December 23, 2012. Emails show that Lutnick’s wife contacted Epstein’s assistant that morning for help anchoring their boat near the island.

Previous Denials and Break in Ties

Earlier, Lutnick had claimed that he severed ties with Epstein in 2005 after a meeting in which Epstein made sexually inappropriate comments. Lutnick told Congress at the time that he had sworn never to be in the same room with Epstein again after that encounter.

Controversial Remarks Against India

Lutnick is also known for making provocative statements against India. Last year, he claimed India would have to apologize to the U.S. in trade negotiations. In a Bloomberg interview in September, he suggested that India would appeal to the U.S. for trade deals, and earlier this year he blamed a failed trade agreement on Prime Minister Modi not calling Trump.

The revelations about Lutnick’s ties to Epstein are likely to intensify scrutiny of his past conduct and associations, raising questions about ethics and judgment at the highest levels of the U.S. government.