Lutnick backs away from his Epstein ‘blackmail’ claim in interview with House committee
Summary
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told the House Oversight Committee he no longer stands by his earlier statement that Jeffrey Epstein blackmailed people. Lutnick said he was only guessing during a podcast and described his contacts with Epstein as unimportant.Key Facts
- Howard Lutnick is the U.S. Commerce Secretary and a former head of Cantor Fitzgerald.
- He previously claimed Epstein blackmailed others but now says he was only speculating.
- Lutnick had some personal interactions with Epstein, including a 2005 visit to Epstein’s home that made him uncomfortable.
- In 2011, Lutnick had a brief meeting with Epstein about scaffolding at Epstein’s house.
- Lutnick and Epstein also had lunch on Epstein’s private island in 2012, which Lutnick described as boring.
- Lutnick said he did not know Epstein was an investor in a business they both invested in during 2013.
- Lutnick is the highest-ranking current administration official named in Epstein’s case files aside from President Donald Trump.
- President Trump has denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and said he ended their relationship years ago.
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