What's happened
As of February 2026, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick faces bipartisan calls to resign after admitting to a 2012 lunch on Jeffrey Epstein's private island, contradicting earlier claims of severed ties since 2005. Despite evidence of ongoing contact, the Trump administration continues to support Lutnick amid growing concerns over his judgment and ethics.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
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Contradictory Statements and Credibility Issues: Lutnick's public narrative of cutting ties with Epstein in 2005 is undermined by emails and admissions of a 2012 lunch on Epstein's island and ongoing communications through 2018. This discrepancy raises serious questions about his credibility and judgment.
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Political Implications: Despite bipartisan calls for resignation, including from Democrats like Senator Adam Schiff and Republicans such as Representative Thomas Massie, the Trump administration has maintained full support for Lutnick. This stance highlights a political calculation prioritizing loyalty over ethical concerns.
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Elite Networks and Accountability: Lutnick's case exemplifies the murky boundaries of complicity within elite circles connected to Epstein. The administration's defense contrasts with resignations seen in other sectors, underscoring uneven accountability.
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Impact on Public Trust: The controversy risks eroding public confidence in government officials, especially given Lutnick's role in commerce and prior ambitions for Treasury Secretary.
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Forecast: Pressure for Lutnick's resignation will likely persist, fueled by ongoing investigations and public scrutiny. The administration's support may wane if further evidence emerges, potentially affecting political stability and public perception.
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Reader Relevance: While the direct impact on daily life may be limited, the story reflects broader issues of transparency, ethics, and governance that influence democratic accountability.
What the papers say
The New York Times' Alan Rappeport highlights the White House's "fortress mentality," noting that despite bipartisan calls for Lutnick's resignation, the administration "dismissed concerns about his character and credibility," with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating Lutnick "remains a very important member of President Trump's team." The Independent's Andrew Feinberg provides detailed accounts of Lutnick's 2012 visit to Epstein's island and his contradictory statements, emphasizing Trump's equivocation when asked about confidence in Lutnick. The Times of Israel underscores the bipartisan criticism, quoting Senator Adam Schiff saying Lutnick "has no business being our commerce secretary," and Republican Thomas Massie calling for his resignation. Business Insider UK’s Bryan Metzger details the email evidence showing ongoing contact and shared investments between Lutnick and Epstein, while Reuters' David Lawder reports on Lutnick's Senate testimony downplaying the relationship and noting the contradictions with prior statements. Al Jazeera summarizes the controversy and notes the broader context of the Justice Department's transparency efforts following the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Together, these sources paint a picture of a high-profile official caught between past associations and current political defense, with significant implications for governance and ethics.
How we got here
Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died in 2019 while awaiting sex trafficking charges. Newly released Justice Department files revealed that Lutnick, Epstein's former neighbor, maintained contact with him years after claiming to have cut ties in 2005, including a 2012 visit to Epstein's private island.
Go deeper
- What evidence contradicts Lutnick's claims about Epstein?
- How has the Trump administration responded to the controversy?
- What are the political consequences for Lutnick?
More on these topics
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Howard William Lutnick is an American billionaire businessman, who succeeded Bernard Gerald Cantor as the head of Cantor Fitzgerald. Lutnick is the chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and BGC Partners.
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Jeffrey Edward Epstein was an American financier and convicted sex offender. He began his professional life as a teacher but then switched to the banking and finance sector in various roles, working at Bear Stearns before forming his own firm.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Ghislaine Noelle Marion Maxwell is a British socialite, known for her association with financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
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Thomas Harold Massie is an American Republican politician who has been the United States Representative for Kentucky's 4th congressional district since 2012.
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Karoline Leavitt (born August 24, 1997) is an American political spokesperson who has served as the 36th White House press secretary since 2025. A member of the Republican Party, she was the party's nominee in the 2022 election for New Hampshire's 1st...