Trump Ally Denies Leaving Children on Epstein Island Amid Scandal
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, a key ally of former President Donald Trump, is embroiled in a deepening scandal after revelations about his connections to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Lutnick has faced mounting pressure to resign following the release of documents that contradict his previous statements regarding his relationship with Epstein.
Contradictory Statements Emerge
During a recent subcommittee hearing of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Lutnick was questioned by Democrats about his ties to Epstein. He initially downplayed their association, describing it as limited to a handful of emails and two meetings that occurred years apart. 'I did not have any relationship with him. I barely had anything to do with him,' Lutnick told lawmakers, maintaining a stance he had previously expressed on podcasts where he vowed never to be in the same room as Epstein after 2005.
However, Lutnick's position quickly unravelled when new evidence came to light. He admitted to having lunch on Epstein's private island, often referred to as 'paedophile island,' during a family vacation in 2012. '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,' Lutnick confessed. He emphasised that the visit lasted only an hour and that all family members departed together, insisting there was nothing untoward about the encounter.
White House Response and Broader Implications
The controversy prompted a swift response from the White House, where Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt abruptly ended a press conference after being questioned about Lutnick's appearance. She stated that Trump 'fully supports' Lutnick, describing him as 'a very important member of President Trump's team.' This endorsement comes amid growing calls for accountability within political circles.
Meanwhile, Congressman Ro Khanna has highlighted the broader issue of elite impunity by naming six high-profile men mentioned in unredacted Epstein documents. These individuals include:
- US businessman Leslie Wexner
- Emirati businessman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem
- Salvatore Nuara
- Zurab Mikeladze
- Leonic Leonov
- Nicola Caputo
Khanna criticised the protection of wealthy and powerful figures, questioning why there is a lack of accountability for what he termed the 'Epstein class.' 'If we found six men that they were hiding in two hours, imagine how many men they are covering up for in those 3 million files,' he remarked, underscoring the scale of the ongoing investigation.
Background and Repercussions
Lutnick's admissions mark a significant reversal from his earlier bullish denials, where he had labelled Epstein as 'disgusting' and distanced himself from any association post-2005. The released files show that he visited the island with his wife, friends, and their eight children, raising ethical and moral questions about his judgement.
As the scandal unfolds, it reignites debates about transparency and justice in cases involving influential figures. The episode adds to a series of controversies linked to Epstein, whose case continues to captivate public attention and prompt calls for systemic change in how such matters are handled.
