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AcynonBluesky5/8/2026
Ansari: Lutnick was also asked about the fact that he had said he believed Epstein would blackmail people. He said that he no longer believes that. And then, when pressed on why that is, he said it’s because he spoke with administration officials.
Trust Metrics
88
82
70
85
Accuracy88%
Framing82%
Context70%
Tone85%
Analysis Summary
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick testified before House lawmakers and reversed his earlier statement that Epstein was 'the greatest blackmailer ever,' telling lawmakers he no longer believes that after speaking with Trump administration officials. Multiple outlets confirmed he was evasive during questioning about his ongoing contact with Epstein, which investigative files show continued at least through a 2012 island lunch, contradicting his claim they stopped contact in 2005. The reversal raises questions about whether administration pressure influenced his public position on Epstein's blackmail capability.
Claims Analysis (3)
“Lutnick had said he believed Epstein would blackmail people”
CNN reports Khanna cited Lutnick calling Epstein 'the greatest blackmailer ever.' Confirmed by multiple outlets.
“Lutnick said he no longer believes that”
CNN confirms Lutnick 'walked back previous comments' about Epstein being 'the greatest blackmailer ever.'
“When pressed on why, Lutnick said it's because he spoke with administration officials”
CNN report states Lutnick changed his position after talking to Trump administration officials. This is the direct stated reason for the reversal.
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