Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is under growing scrutiny from both Republicans and Democrats after confirming he visited convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s private Caribbean island in 2012, contradicting prior claims that he had severed ties with Epstein years earlier.
Lutnick testified Tuesday before a Senate subcommittee, stating that the visit occurred during a family vacation with his wife, four children, and household nannies.
The disclosure comes nearly four years after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor, raising questions about Lutnick’s judgment and credibility.
According to documents released by the Justice Department (DOJ), Lutnick and his wife accepted Epstein’s invitation in December 2012.
When asked about the visit, Lutnick said, “I did have lunch with him as I was on a boat going across on a family vacation. I don’t recall why we did it, but we did it.”
Bipartisan concern quickly followed. Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D) criticized Lutnick for misrepresenting the extent of his relationship with Epstein.
“The issue is not that you engaged in any wrongdoing in connection with Jeffrey Epstein, but that you totally misrepresented the extent of your relationship with him, to the Congress, to the American people and to the survivors of his despicable criminal and predatory acts,” Van Hollen said, according to USA Today.
Republicans have also expressed frustration with the secretary. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) argued that Lutnick’s explanation is insufficient given the timeline and public record.
“Howard Lutnick clearly went to the island… this was many years after Jeffrey Epstein was convicted. He’s got a lot to answer for. But really he should make life easier on the president and just resign,” Massie said, according to The Independent.
Lutnick emphasized that his interactions with Epstein were limited.
He recalled an hour-long meeting a year and a half after the island visit and some drinks in 2011, insisting he “barely had anything to do with that person” and has never been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
DOJ documents show roughly ten emails referencing his contact with the financier, a negligible number amid the millions of pages released.
White House officials have stood by Lutnick, Politico noted.
They said that President Donald Trump continues to support the secretary, highlighting his work on economic priorities such as global trade and the BEAD broadband program.
“The secretary remains a very important member of President Trump’s team,” said a White House spokesperson.
The timing of the revelation coincides with renewed legislative focus on protecting survivors of sexual abuse.
According to the BBC, advocates are pushing for Virginia’s Law, named after Epstein survivor Virginia Giuffre, which eliminates the statute of limitations for civil claims related to sexual abuse.
Conservative observers have noted that public officials in positions of national authority must demonstrate sound judgment and transparency to maintain trust with Americans.
While Lutnick maintains the presence of his family and denies any misconduct, his testimony has amplified concerns about ethical decision-making and accountability in government.
Lawmakers continue to weigh whether a cabinet official whose public statements conflict with documentary evidence should retain a position of national responsibility.
