- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Commerce Secretary Lutnick Admits Lunch on Epstein's Island in 2012
Lutnick says he visited Epstein's private island with his family despite previously claiming to have cut ties in 2005.
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told senators that he had lunch on Jeffrey Epstein's private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2012, despite previously claiming he had cut ties with Epstein in 2005. Lutnick said his wife, four children, and nannies were with him on the family vacation, and that the lunch only lasted an hour. The revelation comes after the release of Department of Justice files showing Lutnick had continued contact with Epstein after 2008, when Epstein pleaded guilty to procuring a minor for prostitution.
Why it matters
Lutnick's admission contradicts his previous statements about cutting ties with Epstein in 2005, raising questions about the extent of their relationship and Lutnick's transparency. As a high-ranking government official, Lutnick's ties to Epstein, a convicted sex offender, have drawn scrutiny and calls for his resignation from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
The details
In an email exchange in 2012, Lutnick planned to visit Epstein's private island with his family and friends. Lutnick told senators that the lunch on the island lasted about an hour and that his wife, four children, and nannies were present, as well as another couple with their children. Lutnick said he did not recall why they decided to have lunch on the island during their family vacation.
- In October 2022, Lutnick was quoted in the New York Post saying he had decided to cut ties with Epstein in 2005.
- In 2011, emails show Lutnick and Epstein had several calls and meetings over drinks scheduled.
- In December 2012, Lutnick emailed Epstein about plans to visit the island with his family and friends.
- On February 10, 2026, Lutnick testified before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee about his visit to Epstein's island.
The players
Howard Lutnick
The U.S. Commerce Secretary who admitted to having lunch on Jeffrey Epstein's private island in 2012, despite previously claiming to have cut ties with Epstein in 2005.
Jeffrey Epstein
The late financier and convicted sex offender who owned the private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands where Lutnick said he had lunch with his family in 2012.
What they’re saying
“My wife was with me, as were my four children and nannies. I had another couple with— they were there as well. with their children.”
— Howard Lutnick, U.S. Commerce Secretary
“To suggest there was anything untoward about that, in 2012, I don't… I don't recall why we did it.”
— Howard Lutnick, U.S. Commerce Secretary
What’s next
The Senate Appropriations subcommittee is expected to further investigate Lutnick's relationship with Epstein and whether there were any improper connections or activities during their interactions.
The takeaway
Lutnick's admission of visiting Epstein's private island in 2012, despite previously claiming to have cut ties in 2005, raises serious questions about his transparency and judgment as a high-ranking government official. This development could lead to increased scrutiny of Lutnick's past associations and potential calls for his resignation.
