Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly did not hold back Wednesday as she publicly rebuked U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick over what she described as lies regarding his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
During an episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, Kelly sharply criticized Lutnick after reports this month revealed that his connections to Epstein were more extensive than he had previously disclosed. Kelly accused the Trump administration official of having “the nerve to lie about it” and questioned his judgment in handling the matter.
“Why would you be so reckless, and where’s your damn apology?” Kelly asked. She went on to compare the situation to former intelligence official James Clapper, suggesting that Lutnick’s credibility had been severely damaged. “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, about something as serious as your connections with Jeffrey Epstein, and it was such a bold-faced lie,” she said.
Kelly expressed particular frustration over the extent of Lutnick’s relationship with Epstein, citing reports that went beyond simply being in the same room. “Not only was he in a room with him, he went to the guy’s island! He started a business with him, reports CBS! I mean, about as bold as you could get,” she said.
Although Kelly stopped short of calling for Lutnick’s resignation, she insisted he must take responsibility. “I’m not saying he should step down, he shouldn’t step down, but he should take responsibility for his lie,” she argued. Kelly emphasized that she believed Lutnick owed a direct apology to New York Post podcaster Miranda Devine, whom she said was misled during an interview.
“He humiliated her, lied right to her face, and he had to have known at some level this was going to come out,” Kelly said, adding that an apology was also owed to the broader public. “He owes her an apology, and he owes the rest of us an apology for lying to our faces.”
Kelly made clear that while she was not demanding his removal from office, her trust had been broken. “It’s fine if he doesn’t step down—I don’t believe one word that comes out of his mouth from this point forward. Not one word,” she concluded.
The controversy stems from Lutnick’s past statements suggesting he cut ties with Epstein after what he described in October as a “disgusting” encounter in 2005. However, reports indicate that Lutnick continued to maintain a relationship with Epstein for years afterward.
In 2012, long after Epstein had already been convicted of procuring a child for prostitution, Lutnick brought his children to Little Saint James, the island widely associated with Epstein and often referred to as “pedophile island.” The revelation of that visit sparked backlash among conservatives.
Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., reacted to the reports by telling NewsNation, “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.”
CBS News also reported that Lutnick and Epstein had been in business together as recently as 2014, further intensifying scrutiny.
As questions continue to swirl, Kelly’s forceful condemnation underscores the frustration among some conservatives who say transparency and accountability must apply to everyone—especially those serving at the highest levels of government.
