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Accusations Fly: Commerce Secretary's Epstein Ties Resurface

2/16/2026

41 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is accused of lying about severing ties with Jeffrey Epstein in 2005 after files show he visited Epstein's island in 2012.
Dr. Mehmet Oz invited Epstein to a Valentine’s party in 2016, despite Epstein's status as a registered sex offender.
Both men have received support from the Trump administration amid growing calls for their resignations, while the article questions why they have faced no consequences.

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Story summary

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is accused of lying about severing ties with Jeffrey Epstein in 2005 after files show he visited Epstein's island in 2012.
Dr. Mehmet Oz invited Epstein to a Valentine’s party in 2016, despite Epstein's status as a registered sex offender.
Both men have received support from the Trump administration amid growing calls for their resignations, while the article questions why they have faced no consequences.