Commerce Secretary Lutnick Admits Visiting Epstein's Island

Revelation contradicts previous denials, deepening White House woes over Epstein ties

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has become the first Trump administration cabinet official to publicly admit visiting Jeffrey Epstein's private island. Lutnick's revelation during a congressional hearing contradicts his previous denials of any involvement with Epstein since 2005, providing new fodder to critics who allege the White House has not been forthcoming about its ties to the disgraced financier.

Why it matters

Lutnick's admission undercuts the White House's attempts to distance itself from the Epstein scandal, which has dogged the administration due to allegations of high-level officials' connections to the convicted sex offender. The revelation could embolden bipartisan critics who have accused the administration of lacking transparency on the issue.

The details

Lutnick, who was Epstein's next-door neighbor, previously denied having any involvement with Epstein since 2005. However, during a congressional hearing on Tuesday, Lutnick publicly acknowledged that he had in fact visited Epstein's private island, a detail that contradicts his prior statements.

  • Lutnick denied any involvement with Epstein since 2005.
  • Lutnick admitted to visiting Epstein's island during a congressional hearing on Tuesday.

The players

Howard Lutnick

The current U.S. Commerce Secretary who has admitted to visiting Jeffrey Epstein's private island, contradicting his previous denials.

Jeffrey Epstein

The disgraced financier and convicted sex offender whose ties to high-level officials have dogged the Trump administration.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The White House is expected to face renewed scrutiny and pressure to provide more transparency about its officials' connections to Jeffrey Epstein in the wake of Lutnick's admission.

The takeaway

Lutnick's flip-flop on his ties to Epstein has deepened the White House's woes over the scandal, as the administration struggles to contain the fallout from high-level officials' alleged links to the disgraced financier.