In a striking revelation, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has publicly challenged the Department of Justice's findings on Jeffrey Epstein, branding him as a master of extortion and blackmail, as the Daily Caller reports.

In a recent interview, Lutnick claimed Epstein amassed wealth through blackmailing influential figures, contradicting official reports, while also recounting personal encounters with the disgraced financier.

Lutnick shared his views during an interview with the New York Post on Wednesday. He expressed strong disagreement with the Department of Justice's conclusion from July, which found no evidence of Epstein using a supposed list of clients for blackmail.

Lutnick levels bold claims

Instead, Lutnick asserted that Epstein was an unparalleled figure in coercion, stating, "the greatest blackmailer ever." He suggested that Epstein's fortune was built on exploiting powerful individuals.

Lutnick further alleged that prominent figures, such as Prince Andrew and Bill Gates, visited Epstein’s home for massages. He speculated that recordings of these encounters might have been used as leverage.

In response, a spokesperson for Bill Gates called Lutnick’s assertions "absolutely false." This rebuttal adds another layer of contention to the already controversial narrative.

Speculation grows about 2008 deal

Lutnick also pointed to Epstein’s 2008 plea deal, which resulted in an 18-month prison sentence. He questioned how such a lenient penalty was possible for a serial offender, hinting at a possible exchange.

"I mean, he's a serial sex offender," Lutnick said. "How could he get 18 months and be able to go to his office during the day and have visitors and stuff?"

"It must’ve been a trade," he continued. "So my assumption is, and I have no knowledge, but my assumption is there was a trade for the videos because there were people on those videos."

Personal encounters with Epstein revealed

Lutnick shared a personal anecdote from a visit to Epstein’s residence, where he noticed a massage table in a room. He described Epstein’s demeanor as unsettling and overly familiar during their brief interaction.

Reflecting on the experience, Lutnick recalled, "In the six or eight steps it takes to get to his house to my house, my wife and I decided that I will never be in the room with that disgusting person ever again." He emphasized his immediate decision to avoid any further contact.

"So I was never in the room with him socially, for business, or even philanthropy," Lutnick added. "That guy was there, I wasn’t going because he’s gross."

Sleazy MO recalled

Beyond his own experience, Lutnick elaborated on Epstein’s alleged methods, saying, "They participated. That’s what his MO was. ‘Get a massage, get a massage.’"

"And what happened in that massage room I assume is on video," he continued. "This guy was the greatest blackmailer ever, blackmailed people. That’s how he had money."

Additionally, President Donald Trump has distanced himself from Epstein, claiming that he ended their long-ago friendship after Epstein reportedly took spa workers from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago property. Ghislaine Maxwell, in a statement to U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, described Trump as a "gentleman" who never behaved improperly.