February 11, New Delhi – U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is facing increasing pressure following revelations that revived scrutiny of his past connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Lutnick admitted to having lunch with Epstein on Epstein's private Caribbean island in 2012, years after claiming to have cut ties with the financier. Email records show plans for a meeting on Epstein Island. Lutnick insists that nothing improper occurred, stating that only family, another couple, and Epstein staff were present. "I met Jeffrey Epstein... over the next 14 years, I met him two other times that I can recall... probably the total," Lutnick said. "I did not have any relationship with him. I barely had anything to do with that person." Despite calls for his resignation, the Trump administration has supported Lutnick. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, "No. Secretary Lutnick remains a very important member of President Trump's team and the President fully supports the Secretary." Across the Atlantic, the Epstein controversy is stirring political debate in the UK. Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced pressure over his appointment of veteran Labour figure Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington. A day after facing calls to resign, Starmer confirmed he will lead the Labour Party into the next election. He now confronts a key by-election on February 26, followed by local elections in May that could shape his and his party's future. Photo Source: X/@Keir_Starmer & @howardlutnick
