Howard Lutnick’s Epstein ties draw Capitol Hill scrutiny, little concern at White House
WASHINGTON, DC: A CNN review of newly examined Epstein files shows that Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick maintained contact with Jeffrey Epstein years after he had previously said he had cut off communication.
The documents outline email exchanges, social invitations, financial dealings and a 2012 visit to Epstein’s private Caribbean island. The disclosures have prompted renewed scrutiny on Capitol Hill and among some Wall Street figures, though there is no indication of repercussions within the White House.
Lutnick, formerly CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, acknowledged during a Senate hearing this week that he visited Epstein’s island for lunch with his family. He has not been accused of wrongdoing related to Epstein.
Emails, island visit and financial dealings
According to the review, Lutnick emailed Epstein’s assistant in May 2018 regarding a proposed expansion of the Frick Collection near their adjacent Manhattan townhouses. “Are you aware as to them building to block our park views. What should we do about it? Time is of the essence,” Lutnick wrote. Epstein replied after the message was forwarded: “No i was not.”
The documents show additional interactions spanning more than a decade. In 2012, Lutnick and his wife coordinated a lunch visit to Epstein’s private island, arriving aboard a “188 foot yacht.”
At a Senate hearing, Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen told Lutnick, “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.” Lutnick responded, “Probably the total… there may be 10 emails connecting me with him… over a 14-year period. I did not have any relationship with him. I barely had anything to do with that person, OK.”
The outlet also reported that in 2013, both men invested through business entities in an advertising analytics firm. In 2015, Lutnick invited Epstein to a fundraiser for Hillary Clinton. In 2017, Epstein donated $50,000 to a dinner honoring Lutnick hosted by UJA-Federation of New York, writing in an email, “50k from me, hope pr is ok.”
Lutnick had earlier stated that he cut off contact with Epstein in 2005. “In the six or eight steps it takes to get from his house to my house, my wife and I decided that I will never be in the room with that disgusting person ever again,” he said.
Capitol Hill questions, Wall Street reaction and White House support
The disclosures have led to calls for accountability from some lawmakers. Rep Thomas Massie said, “How do you trust that guy?” Rep Nancy Mace stated, “Anyone who hangs out with a guy like that, I’m sorry but I’m not hanging out with you.” Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Lutnick would need to answer questions, adding that it is “up to the American people” to determine whether those answers are sufficient.
Inside the White House, however, Donald Trump has maintained confidence in Lutnick. White House spokesperson Kush Desai said, “President Trump maintains complete confidence in Secretary Lutnick.” When asked about the island visit, Trump said, “From what I hear, he was there with his wife and children… I wasn’t. I was never there.”
