Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick opened up about his brief but unsettling brush with Jeffrey Epstein in a podcast interview this week, painting a vivid picture of the convicted sex offender’s predatory tactics. As Epstein’s former neighbor in 2005, Lutnick described touring the financier’s sprawling New York home, only to stumble upon a setup that screamed foul play.
“Massage table in the middle of your house? How often do you have a massage?” Lutnick recalled asking Epstein, who replied flatly, “Every day.” But the exchange took a darker turn when Epstein leaned in uncomfortably close and added, “And the right kind of massage.”
This moment, Lutnick explained, was enough to send alarm bells ringing. With his wife by his side, they made a swift exit from the house. In the short walk back to their own place next door, the couple agreed on one thing: “I will never be in the room with that disgusting person ever again.”
Lutnick stuck to that vow, steering clear of Epstein in social, business, and even charitable circles. “If that guy was there, I wasn’t going because he’s gross,” he said.
His account sheds light on how Epstein’s seemingly innocuous invitations could mask something far more sinister, luring high-profile guests into private spaces where boundaries blurred and risks mounted.
Lutnick didn’t mince words about Epstein’s broader scheme. He labeled the disgraced financier “the greatest blackmailer ever,” insisting that extortion was the real source of Epstein’s fortune rather than savvy investments. “This guy was the greatest blackmailer ever, blackmailed people. That’s how he had money,” Lutnick stated.
He tied this directly to Epstein’s obsession with massages, which served as a gateway to compromise. “They get a massage, that’s what his MO was. ‘Get a massage, get a massage,’ and what happened in that massage room, I assume, was on video,” Lutnick elaborated.
Lutnick went further, accusing Epstein’s associates of not just overlooking red flags but actively engaging in the misconduct. When asked about figures like Bill Gates, who maintained ties with Epstein long after his 2008 conviction, Lutnick was blunt: “No, they participated.”
He speculated that the infamous videos from those massage sessions might explain Epstein’s lenient 2008 plea deal, which saw him serve just 18 months with work-release privileges despite being a serial offender. “I assume way back when they traded those videos in exchange for him getting that 18-month sentence, which allowed him to have visits and be out of jail,” Lutnick said, adding, “It must have been a trade. So my assumption, I have no knowledge. My assumption is there was a trade for the videos because there were people on those videos.”
The interview, hosted by New York Post columnist Miranda Devine on her “Pod Force One” podcast, also touched on President Donald Trump’s past association with Epstein. Lutnick shared that Trump was aware of his own quick decision to cut ties after the creepy encounter.
“No, I mean he knows the story. My story, I was one and done with the guy. He knows that story but that’s it,” Lutnick noted. When pressed on whether Trump shared similar misgivings, Lutnick pivoted to commend the president’s focus and energy, describing how Trump tackles critical issues with remarkable efficiency. “I’m doing the most important thing that I see. And then right after we do that, he does 10 other things that are as, if not more important, that are not my thing. And you’re like ‘Wow!’. And he is great at it,” he said.
Lutnick’s candid recollections serve as a stark reminder of Epstein’s manipulative world, where influence peddling met outright predation. By speaking out, he not only distances himself and the administration from the scandal but also calls attention to the unanswered questions about who else might have been ensnared—and why justice feels incomplete.
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Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.