Commerce Secretary Lutnick Admits to Visiting Epstein's Island

Senators question Lutnick over misrepresenting extent of relationship with convicted sex offender

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick admitted to lawmakers that he visited Jeffrey Epstein's private island in 2012, contradicting his previous claims that he cut ties with Epstein in 2005. Lutnick said he had lunch on the island with his family, but insisted nothing improper occurred and that he had "no relationship" with Epstein. However, recently released files show Lutnick and Epstein were co-investors in a company as late as 2014, prompting calls for Lutnick's resignation from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.

Why it matters

Lutnick's admission and apparent misrepresentation of his relationship with the convicted sex offender Epstein has raised concerns about transparency and accountability within the Trump administration. The revelations could undermine public trust in the government and raise questions about potential conflicts of interest.

The details

In testimony before a Senate subcommittee, Lutnick acknowledged that he visited Epstein's private island in 2012, despite previously claiming he had cut ties with Epstein in 2005. Lutnick said he had lunch on the island with his family, but insisted nothing improper occurred. However, recently released files show Lutnick and Epstein were co-investors in a company as late as 2014, contradicting Lutnick's claim that he had "no relationship" with Epstein. Democratic and Republican lawmakers have called for Lutnick's resignation over the issue.

  • Lutnick claimed he cut ties with Epstein in 2005.
  • Lutnick visited Epstein's private island in 2012.
  • Lutnick and Epstein were co-investors in a company as late as 2014.

The players

Howard Lutnick

The current U.S. Commerce Secretary who previously claimed to have cut ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2005, but has now admitted to visiting Epstein's private island in 2012 and being co-investors with Epstein as late as 2014.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. Epstein had a private island in the Caribbean where he allegedly engaged in illegal activities.

Chris Van Hollen

A Democratic U.S. Senator who questioned Lutnick about misrepresenting the extent of his relationship with Epstein.

Thomas Massie

A Republican U.S. Representative who called for Lutnick to resign over his links to Epstein.

Thom Tillis

A Republican U.S. Senator who expressed concern over Lutnick's visit to Epstein's island.

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What they’re saying

“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. And we left with all of my children, and my nannies and my wife all together.”

— Howard Lutnick, U.S. Commerce Secretary (Bloomberg)

“the files show that you had interactions with Epstein over the next 13 years, including long after he was convicted in 2008 of soliciting the prostitution of a minor.”

— Chris Van Hollen, U.S. Senator (NBC News)

“If this were Great Britain, he'd already be gone.”

— Thomas Massie, U.S. Representative (The Guardian)

“the issue isn't that he engaged in wrongdoing connected to Epstein, but that you totally misrepresented the extent of your relationship with him to the Congress, to the American people, and to the survivors of his despicable criminal and predatory acts.”

— Chris Van Hollen, U.S. Senator (NBC News)

“something I'm concerned with”

— Thom Tillis, U.S. Senator (AP)

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

Lutnick's admission and apparent misrepresentation of his relationship with the convicted sex offender Epstein has raised serious concerns about transparency and accountability within the Trump administration. The revelations could undermine public trust and lead to calls for Lutnick's resignation or further investigation into potential conflicts of interest.