Leavitt says Trump stands firm with Lutnick despite renewed Epstein controversy

WASHINGTON, DC: White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday, Feb 10, that Donald Trump continues to back Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

The statement comes as newly released documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein have renewed scrutiny of Lutnick’s past interactions with the financier.

White House says 'Lutnick remains important'

Speaking to reporters, Leavitt dismissed suggestions that the controversy had weakened the president’s confidence in his commerce secretary.

“Secretary Lutnick remains a very important member of President Trump’s team and the president fully supports the secretary,” she said.

Leavitt’s comments came hours after Lutnick testified before a committee, where he acknowledged traveling to Epstein’s private island in 2012, a disclosure that contradicted earlier statements suggesting he had severed ties with Epstein years earlier.

Lutnick told lawmakers that the visit occurred while he was traveling with his family and that he did not witness any criminal activity during the brief stop.

“My wife was with me, as were my four children and nannies,” Lutnick said. “I had another couple and they were there, as well with their children. And we had lunch on the island. That is true, for an hour, and we left with all of my children, with my nannies, and my wife, all together. We were all together.”

When pressed on the reason for the visit, Lutnick said he could not recall the circumstances.

“I don’t recall why we did it,” he added.

Leavitt clarifies Trump's 2006 police call

Leavitt was also asked about reporting that Trump contacted Palm Beach police in 2006 regarding Epstein’s conduct.

She declined to confirm whether the call took place, responding cautiously. “It was a phone call that may or may not have happened in 2006,” she said.

Leavitt reiterated that Trump has been consistent in his public characterization of Epstein.

“He’s said Epstein was a creep,” she told reporters, adding that Trump has long maintained he removed Epstein from Mar-a-Lago.

The latest document dump tied to Epstein has drawn renewed attention to a growing list of prominent figures mentioned in the records, including both Lutnick and Trump.

While the references have fueled political criticism and public scrutiny, neither of them has been formally accused of criminal wrongdoing connected to Epstein.