US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross’s deputy, Howard Lutnick, has testified about his interactions with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, describing a 2005 visit to Epstein’s New York home as “off-putting”. Lutnick, who appeared voluntarily before the House Oversight Committee, said Epstein showed him a massage table and made a remark about the kinds of massages he enjoyed, prompting Lutnick and his wife to leave abruptly.
Lutnick’s testimony revealed that he had three interactions with Epstein, including a visit to Epstein’s Caribbean island in 2012, despite previously claiming to have cut ties with him in 2005. The commerce secretary said he was contacted by Epstein’s staff and accepted an invitation for lunch on the island, but claimed they never went inside and left after the meal.
Epstein Connections
The House Oversight Committee has been investigating Epstein’s connections to high-profile individuals, including Lutnick and billionaire Ted Waitt, co-founder of Gateway computers. Waitt testified about his years-long relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s convicted co-conspirator, and denied witnessing any nefarious conduct or having knowledge of Maxwell’s work for Epstein.
Waitt’s testimony also addressed documents released by the US justice department, which alleged he had knowledge of Maxwell soliciting women for Epstein. Waitt denied any involvement, saying the emails in question may have been about the children of friends and that he routinely got massages from licensed therapists due to an injury.
Implications and Reactions
The revelations about Lutnick’s interactions with Epstein have led to bipartisan calls for his resignation from the Trump administration. The commerce secretary’s visit to Epstein’s island in 2012, despite claiming to have cut ties with him, has raised questions about his judgment and potential conflicts of interest.
The investigation into Epstein’s connections highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability among high-profile individuals and their associations. As the committee continues its probe, it remains to be seen what other revelations will come to light and what actions will be taken to address the concerns raised.
