Commerce Secretary Acknowledges Meetings with Epstein, Contradicting Previous Claims

Lutnick faces bipartisan calls for resignation over revelations about his ties to the disgraced financier

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Under questioning from Democrats, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick acknowledged that he had met with Jeffrey Epstein twice after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a child, reversing Lutnick's previous claim that he had cut ties with Epstein after 2005. Lutnick is now facing bipartisan calls for his resignation amid the revelations contained in the Epstein files.

Why it matters

The revelations about Lutnick's ties to Epstein have sparked outrage and renewed calls for accountability from U.S. officials with connections to the disgraced financier. This case highlights the ongoing challenges in holding the rich and powerful to account for their associations with individuals accused of serious crimes.

The details

Lutnick initially downplayed his relationship with Epstein, claiming he had barely any contact with him after 2005. However, under questioning, Lutnick admitted to meeting with Epstein twice - once for lunch on Epstein's private island in 2012, and again for a one-hour engagement at Epstein's home in 2011. This contradicts Lutnick's previous statements that he had decided to 'never be in the room' with Epstein again after a disturbing tour of Epstein's home in 2005.

  • In 2008, Epstein was convicted of soliciting prostitution from a child.
  • In 2011, Lutnick had a one-hour engagement at Epstein's home.
  • In 2012, Lutnick and his family had lunch with Epstein on his private island.

The players

Howard Lutnick

The current U.S. Commerce Secretary who is facing bipartisan calls for his resignation over revelations about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier who was convicted of soliciting prostitution from a child in 2008.

Chris Van Hollen

The Democratic senator who questioned Lutnick about his meetings with Epstein.

Thomas Massie

The Republican congressman who called for Lutnick's resignation after the release of emails alluding to the meetings between Lutnick and Epstein.

Ro Khanna

The Democratic congressman who joined Massie in pressuring Lutnick to resign over the revelations about his ties to Epstein.

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What they’re saying

“There's not an indication that you yourself engaged in any wrongdoing with Jeffrey Epstein. It's the fact that you believe that you misled the country and the Congress based on your earlier statements.”

— Chris Van Hollen, Senator (ksgf.com)

“Based on the evidence, he should be out of the Cabinet.”

— Ro Khanna, Congressman (ksgf.com)

“It's not about any particular person. In this country, we have to make a decision. Are we going to allow the rich and powerful people who are friends and (had) no problem doing business and showing up with a pedophile who is raping underage girls, are we just going to allow them to skate?”

— Ro Khanna, Congressman (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Lutnick to remain in his position as Commerce Secretary.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in holding the rich and powerful accountable for their associations with individuals accused of serious crimes. It raises questions about the level of transparency and accountability expected from high-ranking government officials, and whether the same standards are applied across the board.