US Commerce Secretary Lutnick Retracts Epstein Blackmail Claim in House Testimony

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick retracted his previous assertion that Jeffrey Epstein engaged in blackmail during a recent interview with the House Oversight Committee. Lutnick admitted that his earlier comments, made on a podcast, were merely speculation without personal information. This testimony follows the release of Epstein case files that contradicted Lutnick's claims and highlighted his continued interactions with the convicted sex offender after a disturbing 2005 visit to Epstein's home. Lutnick described subsequent meetings, including a 2012 lunch on Epstein's private island and a 2011 discussion about scaffolding, as meaningless and inconsequential. He also stated he was unaware of their joint investment in a 2013 business venture until recently. Democratic lawmakers criticized Lutnick for being evasive and dishonest, with some calling for his resignation. However, the White House has maintained its support for the Commerce Secretary. The committee also released transcripts from an interview with Tedd Waitt, former boyfriend of Ghislaine Maxwell. Lutnick remains the highest-ranking current administration official named in the Epstein files, aside from President Donald Trump.