Howard Lutnick Under Fire: Alleged Epstein Island Photo Disappears From DOJ Files

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is facing intense scrutiny after internet sleuths and lawmakers flagged the disappearance of a compromising photograph from the official DOJ Epstein document tranches. The photo reportedly shows Lutnick on Little St. James—Epstein’s infamous private island—standing alongside the convicted pedophile.

1. The Disappearing Act: Dataset 9

Republican Representative Thomas Massie, a leading advocate for the full public release of the Epstein files, expressed alarm over claims that the DOJ had scrubbed the image from its digital library.

• The Missing File: Social media users identified the specific missing record as Dataset 9, EFTA01230639.
• The “Jmail” Leak: While allegedly removed from the primary DOJ site, the image remains accessible on “Jmail,” a specialized archive used to catalog Epstein’s extensive email communications.
• Massie’s Reaction: “I’m sure there’s a good reason for this,” Massie remarked pointedly. “DOJ needs to tell Congress who pulled this file down so we can ask them.”

2. Testimony vs. Reality: The “Family” Defense

The core of the controversy lies in the discrepancy between Lutnick’s sworn testimony and the visual evidence.

• The Claim: Lutnick previously admitted to visiting the island in 2012 but testified under oath that it was a wholesome “family picnic” involving his wife, children, and a nanny. He maintained he was never alone with Epstein.
• The Photo: The leaked image depicts a man identified as Lutnick in a blue shirt standing near Epstein. Critically, observers note that there are no women or small children visible in the frame—only two young men, rumored to be Lutnick’s sons, and other males.
• Public Outrage: Critics on X (formerly Twitter) have been vocal, with one user stating, “Unless Epstein was his nanny… it appears that Howard was lying.”

3. Deepening Connections

This is not the first time Lutnick’s ties to the Epstein circle have made headlines.

• The Sister Connection: His sister, Edie Lutnick, has also been linked in documents to Ghislaine Maxwell.
• Cantor Fitzgerald: As the head of Cantor Fitzgerald, Lutnick’s professional and personal overlap with high-profile figures in the Epstein files has become a focal point for those questioning the integrity of the current administration’s cabinet.

Fact Check: The Lutnick-Epstein Timeline