The White House appears unconcerned about Lutnick's connections to Epstein, and it seems his adversaries are equally indifferent.
This attitude illustrates a significant disparity in how associations with Epstein are perceived across various high-profile sectors. While figures in the Trump administration seem largely unaffected by such ties, officials in education, law, and foreign governments face greater scrutiny and pressure to distance themselves from the Epstein scandal.
For instance, United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer is currently striving to retain his position amid revelations regarding former U.S. ambassador Peter Mandelson's links to Epstein. Meanwhile, Norway has been shaken by news of Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s previously friendly interactions with Epstein. Additionally, the World Economic Forum is looking into its president and CEO, Borge Brende, due to his connections to the disgraced financier.
Mandelson asserts that he acted within the bounds of the law, while the crown princess has expressed regret for her communications with Epstein, claiming they do not reflect her values. Brende, on his part, stated that he was completely unaware of Epstein’s dark past and criminal behavior, insisting he would have ignored any invitations or messages had he known better.
In stark contrast, involvement with Epstein seems to carry minimal consequences within the U.S. government. A source familiar with the administration's perspective dismissed the emerging details around Lutnick as relatively insignificant, noting a prevailing ‘just push through it’ mentality among officials.
One former Trump campaign official remarked, "If Trump saw value in cutting ties with Howard and eliminating the Epstein issue, he would do it. We're just not at that point yet."
Although Lutnick claims his association with Epstein ended in 2005, records suggest their connection lasted longer than he admits. For example, Lutnick and his family enjoyed lunch on Epstein’s private island in 2012, and the two men, who lived near each other, discussed real estate matters. Furthermore, in 2013, Epstein's lawyer obtained and forwarded a resume belonging to Lutnick’s nanny.
During a recent Senate Appropriations subcommittee meeting, Lutnick confirmed that he indeed took his family for lunch at Epstein’s Caribbean locale, mentioning that he was accompanied by his wife, children, nanny, and another family. He also acknowledged having a second meeting with Epstein that lasted an hour.
"I had no reservations about the documents because I am confident, as is my wife, that I have done absolutely nothing wrong in any context," Lutnick stated firmly.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated to reporters that Lutnick is a valued member of Trump’s team, emphasizing that "the president fully supports the secretary."
When asked for comments, the White House directed inquiries back to Leavitt, while the Commerce Department opted not to respond.
Interestingly, even Senate Democrats seemed more focused on questioning Lutnick regarding policy rather than his Epstein connections. When the topic of Epstein’s files arose, Democrats accused Lutnick of misleading the public about the depth of his relationship with Epstein, though many clarified that he has not faced any allegations of wrongdoing.
Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) expressed his concern, stating, "It troubles me that you took your family to lunch on his island and had meetings with him. Please, reveal everything. Let’s resolve this, as it is a matter of significant concern for my constituents. President Trump campaigned on the promise of releasing the Epstein files."
Conversely, Republicans in Congress have largely avoided the controversy surrounding Lutnick. None of the Republicans on the Appropriations subcommittee pressed him directly about his Epstein ties, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) simply noted that Lutnick must be transparent about his involvement.
A senior Republican lawmaker, who spoke anonymously to express candid thoughts, observed that the Democrats' lackluster response indicates that neither party is aggressively pursuing Lutnick’s resignation. "There’s considerable discomfort regarding his performance, but I don’t think there’s any serious threat to his position or calls for him to step down from either side," the lawmaker commented.
Nonetheless, some Democrats, including Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), have called for Lutnick’s resignation. Merkley pointed out, "Last year, he claimed he hadn’t had contact since 2005, and it’s now evident that there were multiple interactions—eight by my count. His ongoing relationship with someone involved in such horrific, abusive behavior represents a moral failing."
Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) expressed a desire for fewer redactions in the released files and insisted that any additional documents should be made public. However, when questioned about increasing accountability for individuals named in those files, he suggested that the decision lies with the public. "There is a second layer of accountability, which involves answering questions," Hawley remarked. "And I’m sure he’d be willing to do so."
Lutnick echoed this sentiment, asserting, "I have nothing to hide. Absolutely nothing."
Calen Razor contributed to this report.
