In a whirlwind of fresh political drama, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has once again thrust himself into the spotlight with bold claims about Jeffrey Epstein, drawing sharp rebuke from former GOP strategist Tim Miller. Lutnick, a key figure in President Trump's cabinet, recently labeled Epstein the "greatest blackmailer ever" during an interview, suggesting the disgraced financier used compromising information to manipulate powerful associates, possibly even influencing his own lenient 2008 plea deal. This comes amid ongoing chaos surrounding the release of Epstein files, where Lutnick's statements appear to directly contradict testimony from Trump's nominee for FBI director, Kash Patel.
Tim Miller, now a vocal critic of the administration through his Bulwark podcast and MSNBC appearances, didn't hold back. He called Lutnick Trump's "dumbest cabinet member," accusing him of torpedoing the White House's carefully crafted narrative on Epstein's ties to Trump. "He's too dumb to keep the cover-up going," Miller quipped during a segment on Deadline: White House, highlighting how Lutnick's off-the-cuff remarks have exposed rifts within the inner circle. Indeed, Miller pointed out the irony: Lutnick, once a Trump fundraiser and transition co-chair, now risks unraveling the very defenses the administration has built against Epstein scrutiny.
The fallout has been swift. Ranking Member Robert Garcia of the House Oversight Committee has demanded Lutnick testify about his Epstein knowledge, citing potential links from Trump's orbit to the sex offender's network. Lutnick's history adds layers—surviving 9/11 as Cantor Fitzgerald CEO, he rebuilt the firm but faced criticism over post-attack employee payouts. Now, as commerce secretary confirmed in February 2025, he's pushing Trump's tariff agenda while stirring unrelated controversies. However, supporters defend Lutnick's candor as refreshing in a buttoned-up administration.
Moreover, this episode underscores the administration's turbulent start, with trade deals looming and Epstein shadows lingering. Yet, as Lutnick navigates these waters, one wonders if such unfiltered outbursts signal deeper instability or just the raw edge of Trump's unorthodox team.