Megyn Kelly delivered a blistering rebuke Wednesday of U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, accusing him of misleading the public about the extent of his relationship with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
During a segment on The Megyn Kelly Show, Kelly reacted to recent reporting that Lutnick’s past association with Epstein was far more extensive than he had previously acknowledged. The controversy intensified after CBS News reported that Lutnick maintained a business relationship with Epstein as recently as 2014 — years after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for procuring a minor for prostitution.
Kelly took particular issue with what she described as a clear contradiction between Lutnick’s earlier statements and the new revelations.
“Why would you be so reckless, and where’s your damn apology?” Kelly asked. “You make yourself into a James Clapper. This is supposed to be a more transparent administration, and what President Trump doesn’t need is a liar in the position of commerce secretary.”
She went further, highlighting reports that Lutnick had visited Epstein’s private Caribbean island, Little Saint James, in 2012 and allegedly brought his children there — years after Epstein’s conviction. “Not only was he in a room with him, he went to the guy’s island!” Kelly said. “He started a business with him… about as bold as you could get.”
Lutnick had previously suggested in October that he cut ties with Epstein following what he described as a “disgusting” encounter in 2005. However, subsequent reporting indicates their relationship continued well beyond that point.
Kelly stopped short of calling for Lutnick’s resignation but insisted he owes the public an apology — specifically referencing New York Post columnist and podcaster Miranda Devine, whom she said was misled during a prior interview.
“He humiliated her, lied right to her face,” Kelly said. “He owes her an apology, and he owes the rest of us an apology for lying to our faces.”
Her conclusion was unequivocal: “I don’t believe one word that comes out of his mouth from this point forward.”
The revelations have sparked criticism beyond Kelly’s platform. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) weighed in on NewsNation, saying, “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.”
Lutnick has not publicly responded to the latest wave of criticism. The Commerce Department has not issued an updated statement addressing the CBS report.
