Howard Lutnick Acknowledges Brief Visit to Jeffrey Epstein’s Private Island During Senate Questioning
WASHINGTON — Howard Lutnick, the nominee for Secretary of Commerce, confirmed during a Senate confirmation hearing that he had previously visited Jeffrey Epstein’s private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The acknowledgment came in response to a direct inquiry from Senator Chris Van Hollen regarding the nominee’s past associations with the late financier.
The exchange occurred as the Senate Commerce Committee vetted Lutnick’s background and suitability for the cabinet position. During the questioning period, Senator Van Hollen, a Democrat from Maryland, pressed Lutnick on the specifics of his travel history and connections to Epstein.
“Did you in fact make the visit to Epstein’s private island?” Senator Van Hollen asked the nominee.
Lutnick, the Chief Executive Officer of Cantor Fitzgerald, confirmed the visit took place but contextualized it as a brief, incidental occurrence during a personal trip.
“I did have lunch with him as I was on a boat going across on a family vacation,” Lutnick testified. He further clarified the duration of his stay on the property, stating, “We had lunch on the island. That is true. For an hour.”
The questioning reflects ongoing scrutiny applied to public figures regarding their interactions with Epstein, a convicted sex offender whose high-profile social circle has been a subject of intense public interest and political debate. Lutnick’s testimony sought to characterize the interaction as a fleeting social engagement rather than a substantial relationship.
As the vetting process for the incoming administration continues, nominees are facing questions regarding their financial dealings, ethical standards, and past associations. If confirmed as Commerce Secretary, Lutnick would oversee a department responsible for promoting economic growth and managing U.S. trade policy. The Senate Commerce Committee will weigh this testimony alongside his professional qualifications before scheduling a vote on his nomination.
