Trump Commerce Secretary Accused of Lying About Epstein Ties

Megyn Kelly blasts Howard Lutnick for 'lying to our faces' over his links to the convicted pedophile.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Megyn Kelly has accused President Donald Trump's commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, of 'lying to our faces' about the extent of his relationship with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Kelly criticized Lutnick for initially claiming he cut off contact with Epstein in 2005, but records show Lutnick visited Epstein's private island in 2012 and the two were engaged in business dealings as late as 2014.

Why it matters

Lutnick's alleged lies about his ties to Epstein have raised concerns about transparency in the Trump administration, with some lawmakers calling for his resignation. The revelations also further fuel questions about Trump's own relationship with the disgraced financier.

The details

In an October 2025 interview, Lutnick said he met Epstein in 2005 but cut off contact after concluding he was 'gross' and 'disgusting.' However, records show Lutnick traveled to Epstein's private island in December 2012 and the two were involved in business dealings as late as 2014. Lutnick also invited Epstein to a 2015 fundraiser for Hillary Clinton and Epstein later donated $50,000 to a 2017 dinner honoring Lutnick.

  • In 2005, Lutnick said he met Epstein and decided to cut off contact.
  • In December 2012, Lutnick traveled to Epstein's private island.
  • In 2014, Lutnick and Epstein were still engaged in business dealings.
  • In 2015, Lutnick invited Epstein to a fundraiser for Hillary Clinton.
  • In 2017, Epstein donated $50,000 to a dinner honoring Lutnick.

The players

Howard Lutnick

The U.S. Secretary of Commerce under President Donald Trump, who is facing accusations of lying about the extent of his ties to convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Megyn Kelly

A television host who has strongly criticized Lutnick for his alleged lies about his relationship with Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted pedophile who had close ties to many powerful individuals, including some in the Trump administration.

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What they’re saying

“Why would you be so reckless, and where's your damn apology? You make yourself into a James Clapper.”

— Megyn Kelly, Television Host (The Megyn Kelly Show)

“As a mom, I wouldn't sit and have lunch with a convicted pedophile. I don't think that's something that I would personally do, but that's my personal choice.”

— Nancy Mace, GOP Representative (NewsNation)

“Really, he should make life easier on the president, frankly, and just resign.”

— Thomas Massie, GOP Representative (CNN)

What’s next

The Senate is expected to hold additional hearings on Lutnick's ties to Epstein, and there are bipartisan calls for his resignation.

The takeaway

The revelations about Lutnick's relationship with Epstein have further eroded public trust in the Trump administration, which has already faced scrutiny over its ties to the disgraced financier. The case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability from government officials, especially those with connections to high-profile scandals.