White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt abruptly ended a briefing on Tuesday after a reporter asked about Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's ties to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. The exchange came hours after Lutnick admitted to senators that he had visited Epstein's private island, Little Saint James, in 2012.
Leavitt, about 20 minutes into the briefing, stated that President Donald Trump 'fully supports' Lutnick, describing him as 'a very important member of President Trump's team.' She then launched into a monologue criticising reporters for not asking about administration achievements, listing stock market results, a medical group's stance on gender transition surgery for minors, and reductions in the national crime rate. She concluded by saying, 'We're going to get back to business,' and left the room with aides.
Earlier, Lutnick testified before the Senate Commerce Committee that he had lunch with Epstein on the island while on a family vacation, accompanied by his wife, four children, and nannies. This contradicted his October 2024 claim to the New York Post that he had cut off contact with Epstein after a 2005 encounter. Justice Department documents show Lutnick maintained ties with Epstein until at least 2018.
Leavitt also addressed a released document alleging Trump spoke to a Palm Beach police chief about Epstein in 2006. She would not confirm the call but said Trump has been 'honest and transparent' about his relationship with Epstein, despite their past friendship.
