In a bombshell interview on the New York Post’s Pod Force One podcast released on October 1, 2025, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick described his former Manhattan neighbor Jeffrey Epstein as “the greatest blackmailer ever.” Lutnick, who lived next door to Epstein’s Upper East Side townhouse in 2005, shared chilling personal anecdotes that fueled his stark assessment, directly contradicting the Trump administration’s official stance that no evidence exists of Epstein running a blackmail operation.
Host Miranda Devine pressed Lutnick on Epstein’s modus operandi. Recalling a house tour shortly after moving in, Lutnick described Epstein proudly showing off a central “massage room” with a table surrounded by candles. When Lutnick asked how often he got massages, Epstein replied, “Every day,” then leaned in suggestively: “And the right kind of massage.” Lutnick said he and his wife were immediately repulsed, vowing never to be in the same room with the “disgusting” financier again.
“This guy was the greatest blackmailer ever,” Lutnick declared. “Blackmailed people—that’s how he had money.” He alleged Epstein’s routine involved luring wealthy, powerful men with offers of massages, which he assumed were secretly recorded. “What happened in that massage room, I assume, was on video,” Lutnick said. When asked why prominent figures like Bill Gates and Prince Andrew continued associating with Epstein, Lutnick was blunt: “No, they participated. That’s what his MO was—’Get a massage, get a massage.'”
Lutnick speculated that Epstein traded compromising videos for his lenient 2008 Florida plea deal, which allowed work release despite serious charges. “There must have been a trade… my assumption is there was a trade for the videos because there were people on those videos,” he said, admitting he had “no knowledge” but basing it on intuition.
The comments stunned observers, clashing with the Department of Justice and FBI’s July 2025 findings of “no credible evidence” Epstein blackmailed elites or maintained a “client list.” FBI Director Kash Patel testified similarly. President Trump has dismissed ongoing file-release demands as a “Democratic hoax.” Lutnick’s remarks enraged some administration insiders, with reports of frustration over his unscripted media appearances.
Democrats seized the opportunity. House Oversight Ranking Member Robert Garcia demanded Lutnick testify, citing his “explosive” claims and firsthand knowledge. “Secretary Lutnick explicitly said that Epstein was the ‘greatest blackmailer ever,’ directly contradicting the Trump Administration’s public statements,” Garcia wrote in an October 2 letter.
Survivors’ advocates hailed the interview as validation amid stalled Epstein file releases. With public polls showing overwhelming support for full disclosure, Lutnick’s candid revelations— from a Trump Cabinet member no less—reignite scrutiny over hidden tapes, elite complicity, and why Epstein’s network endured so long. As one victim attorney noted, “If even his neighbor saw it clearly, how did so many powerful people miss it—or worse?”
Leave a Reply