Just in : Trump with Howard Lutnick: “I don’t understand why the Jeffrey Epstein case would be of interest to anybody. It’s pretty boring stuff.”

President Donald Trump recently dismissed public fascination with the Jeffrey Epstein case as uninteresting, describing it as “pretty boring stuff” during remarks made in the presence of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The comment, captured in interactions with reporters, has reignited debates over transparency, elite connections, and lingering questions surrounding the late financier’s sex-trafficking scandal.

The statement came amid ongoing scrutiny of newly released or discussed Epstein-related files from the Department of Justice and FBI. These documents have spotlighted various high-profile figures, including members of the current administration. Trump made the comment while addressing reporters, reportedly on the tarmac or during an arrival, with Lutnick standing nearby. In fuller context from transcripts and reports, Trump elaborated:
“I don’t understand why the Jeffrey Epstein case would be of interest to anybody. It’s pretty boring stuff. It’s sordid, but it’s boring. And I don’t understand why it keeps going. I think really only pretty bad people, including fake news, want to keep something like that going.”
Lutnick, who was present, appeared to react with laughter according to some accounts, as the president blamed “fake news” and others for prolonging attention on the matter. Trump also noted that Epstein had been “dead for a long time” and “never a big factor in terms of life,” downplaying the enduring public interest.
This occurred against a backdrop of pressure from some Republican allies and MAGA supporters for greater release of Epstein documents, contrasted with administration efforts to shift focus elsewhere. Earlier, Trump had faced questions about handling the files, with accusations of delays or obfuscation—though he later reportedly encouraged congressional Republicans to support releases in certain instances.
Howard Lutnick’s Involvement
Lutnick, Trump’s Commerce Secretary and a key transition figure, has faced his own scrutiny tied to Epstein. Recent file releases and congressional testimony revealed that Lutnick visited Epstein’s private Caribbean island (Little Saint James) in 2012—years after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Lutnick described it as a brief family lunch during a vacation, insisting he witnessed nothing improper and had limited contact overall.
He has acknowledged a handful of meetings with Epstein post-conviction but maintained he cut most ties earlier and had “nothing to hide.” Emails and records show communications, including invitations and shared business interests, prompting bipartisan calls for further explanation and even resignation demands from critics like Rep. Robert Garcia. Trump has defended Lutnick, stating he was unaware of specifics of the island visit but describing him as “fine” and noting the family context.
Broader Reactions and Implications
The “boring stuff” remark drew sharp backlash online and in media, with critics arguing it trivializes serious allegations of child sex trafficking and potential elite involvement. Social media posts highlighted outrage, questioning why large-scale abuse would be deemed uninteresting. Supporters countered that the focus distracts from priorities, echoing Trump’s view that media sensationalism sustains the story.
The Epstein saga continues to polarize: files mention numerous figures across political lines, but no major new “client list” bombshells have emerged in recent releases, per some FBI statements. Trump’s dismissal aligns with his long-standing portrayal of related probes as hoaxes or distractions, similar to past comments on investigations like the Steele dossier.
As debates persist, the episode underscores tensions within Trump’s base over transparency and accountability in high-profile scandals. Whether it fades as “boring” or fuels further demands for unredacted disclosures remains to be seen.