U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that he visited Jeffrey Epstein's island in 2012, contradicting earlier statements that he cut ties with the late sex offender years prior.
I did have lunch with him as I was on a boat going across on a family vacation, Lutnick testified on Capitol Hill. My wife was with me, as were my four children and nannies … We had lunch on the island. That is true. For an hour.
This visit has stirred significant controversy, prompting some lawmakers to call for Lutnick's resignation. Yet, the White House has expressed full support for him.
Previously, Lutnick claimed he had severed ties with Epstein in 2005 after an awkward encounter involving Epstein's possession of a massage table. His recent testimony marked the first public confirmation of his visit to the infamous island, occurring notably after Epstein's conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
The revelation has led to a heightened scrutiny of Lutnick's relationship with Epstein, especially as both Democratic and Republican lawmakers urge transparency in light of new disclosures related to Epstein's activities.
While Lutnick has not faced any accusations of wrongdoing concerning Epstein, the conflicting accounts have raised serious questions about his honesty. Senator Chris Van Hollen articulated concerns about Lutnick's previous misrepresentation to Congress and the public, emphasizing the critical issue of accountability among those associated with Epstein.
I did have lunch with him as I was on a boat going across on a family vacation, Lutnick testified on Capitol Hill. My wife was with me, as were my four children and nannies … We had lunch on the island. That is true. For an hour.
This visit has stirred significant controversy, prompting some lawmakers to call for Lutnick's resignation. Yet, the White House has expressed full support for him.
Previously, Lutnick claimed he had severed ties with Epstein in 2005 after an awkward encounter involving Epstein's possession of a massage table. His recent testimony marked the first public confirmation of his visit to the infamous island, occurring notably after Epstein's conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
The revelation has led to a heightened scrutiny of Lutnick's relationship with Epstein, especially as both Democratic and Republican lawmakers urge transparency in light of new disclosures related to Epstein's activities.
While Lutnick has not faced any accusations of wrongdoing concerning Epstein, the conflicting accounts have raised serious questions about his honesty. Senator Chris Van Hollen articulated concerns about Lutnick's previous misrepresentation to Congress and the public, emphasizing the critical issue of accountability among those associated with Epstein.
