Trump Shielding Cabinet Member Over Epstein Ties, Legal Expert Says

President fears consequences for Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick could implicate him in Epstein scandal, according to legal analyst.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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President Donald Trump is shielding Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick from consequences over his ties to deceased financier and accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, according to legal expert Lisa Rubin. Rubin argues Trump fears that if Lutnick faces repercussions for his relationship with Epstein, it could shift the focus back to Trump's own extensive connections to the disgraced financier.

Why it matters

The Epstein scandal has long cast a shadow over Trump's presidency, with the former president's own comments and actions raising questions about his knowledge of Epstein's alleged crimes. By protecting Lutnick, a high-profile Trump Cabinet member, the president may be attempting to shield himself from further scrutiny over his ties to Epstein.

The details

Lutnick, the former head of the law firm Paul Weiss, has faced criticism over emails that appeared to show him offering Epstein advice on how to delegitimize claims from Epstein's alleged victims. Despite this, Trump has not moved to remove Lutnick from his position as Commerce Secretary, which legal analyst Lisa Rubin believes is because the president fears the consequences for Lutnick could ultimately implicate Trump himself.

  • In 2005, Lutnick and his wife vowed to never again visit Epstein's home, which was located next door to their own.
  • In 2019, former Palm Beach police chief Michael Ryder told prosecutors that he had spoken to Trump, who said 'everybody knew what [Epstein] was doing' and that 'Ghislaine Maxwell is evil'.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who has faced extensive scrutiny over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Howard Lutnick

The current U.S. Commerce Secretary, who has faced criticism over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Lisa Rubin

A legal expert who argues that Trump is shielding Lutnick to avoid further scrutiny of his own Epstein connections.

Nicolle Wallace

The host of MSNBC's 'Deadline: White House' program, who interviewed Rubin.

Michael Ryder

The former police chief of Palm Beach, Florida, who told prosecutors in 2019 that Trump was aware of Epstein's wrongdoing.

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What they’re saying

“If we are that focused on a single lunch, imagine what would happen if Howard Lutnick were to suffer consequences, because our eyes would automatically turn back to the person who has demonstrably, much more extensive ties with Jeffrey Epstein, who is quoted in a near canon-like article about Jeffrey Epstein from 2002, saying, as we've all quoted on air multiple times, 'Jeffrey likes beautiful women. He likes them almost as much as I do. And on the younger side.'”

— Lisa Rubin, Legal Expert (MS NOW)

What’s next

The judge in Lutnick's case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow him to remain free on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to shield high-level officials from consequences related to the Epstein scandal, likely in an attempt to avoid further scrutiny of the former president's own ties to the disgraced financier.