Lutnick Admits Travel to Epstein Island, Downplays Relationship

Feb. 10, 2026, 7:18 PM UTC

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick minimized his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein Tuesday even as he acknowledged visiting the disgraced financier at his private island in 2012 after Epstein was a convicted sex offender — and years later than he previously said their relationship ended.

Lutnick, speaking to a Senate panel, described going to Epstein’s island after being asked in Tuesday’s hearing about Justice Department documents showing he had planned a visit.

“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,” ...

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