Full Breakdown
Nancy Mace Critiques Howard Lutnick's Ties to Jeffrey Epstein
2/12/2026, 1:43:41 AM
Admission of Lunch with Epstein Raises Concerns
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) publicly criticized U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick after he admitted to having lunch with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Epstein's private island in 2012. During a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Lutnick confirmed the meeting, stating, "We had lunch on the island, that is true, for an hour." This revelation has intensified bipartisan calls for Lutnick's resignation, although Mace expressed that she does not believe the admission alone warrants such action.
Mace's Personal Stance and Focus on Victims
In an interview with NewsNation, Mace emphasized her personal disapproval of Lutnick's choice to dine with Epstein, stating, "As a mom, I wouldn’t sit and have lunch with a convicted pedophile." However, she clarified that her criticism does not imply any criminal wrongdoing on Lutnick's part, asserting, "You shouldn’t just be fired because of who you had lunch with." Mace's focus remains on seeking justice for Epstein's victims rather than targeting Lutnick directly.
Context of Lutnick's Relationship with Epstein
Lutnick's admission has raised questions about his previous claims of distancing himself from Epstein after a troubling encounter in 2005. The recent release of documents from the Justice Department revealed that Lutnick continued to associate with Epstein long after his 2008 conviction for procuring a child for prostitution. Mace, who reviewed unredacted Epstein files, noted that she found several unexpected names linked to meetings with Epstein, prompting her to question the motives of those involved.
Official Responses and Ongoing Investigations
The White House has defended Lutnick, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that he "remains a very important member" of the Trump administration and that President Donald Trump "fully supports" him. Mace, while not advocating for Lutnick's resignation, indicated her intent to submit a list of names to the House Oversight Committee for further investigation. She expressed concern over individuals who may have been complicit in Epstein's crimes, stating, "My priority is justice for the victims."
Criticism and Calls for Accountability
Mace's remarks reflect a broader concern about the implications of high-profile individuals associating with Epstein. She noted, "I saw some names in there of people that I had no idea would be in the files, who were scheduling lunch or meetings with a convicted pedophile." This sentiment underscores the ongoing scrutiny of those connected to Epstein and the need for accountability among powerful figures.
Verbatim Quotes
- “As a mom, I wouldn’t sit and have lunch with a convicted pedophile. I don’t think that’s something that I would personally do, but that’s my personal choice.” — Rep. Nancy Mace
- “You shouldn’t just be fired because of who you had lunch with.” — Rep. Nancy Mace
- “My priority is justice for the victims,” — Rep. Nancy Mace
Mace's statements highlight the complexities surrounding Lutnick's admission and the broader implications for accountability in the wake of Epstein's crimes.
