US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick fiercely denied having a substantive relationship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during testimony before a Senate committee on Tuesday, even as lawmakers from both parties increased calls for him to step down.
Lutnick said he met Epstein only three times over 14 years, and insisted he never had a meaningful personal or professional connection with him, comments that have become the focus of an escalating political controversy.
The dispute stems from newly released Justice Department files linked to the Epstein case, which include emails and documents suggesting contact between Lutnick and Epstein well after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for sex crimes. Some records even point to social and business interactions that contradict Lutnick’s previous public statements, prompting bipartisan criticism and demands for accountability.
Epstein Files Update Lutnick Testimony: “I Did Not Have a Relationship With Epstein”
While answering questions before the Senate appropriations panel, Lutnick rejected the notion that he had any close ties with Epstein. “I did not have a relationship with Epstein,” he said, noting that the first encounter occurred when Epstein moved next door to him. He described a lunch with Epstein on a boat near his island during a family vacation, but stressed that the interactions were limited.
“Over 14 years, I did not have any relationship with him. I barely had anything to do with that person,” Lutnick told lawmakers. He added, “I have done absolutely nothing wrong in any possible regard in relation to Epstein,” defending both his record and his conduct under scrutiny.
Epstein Files Update: What the Justice Department Files Show?
Newly released Justice Department documents paint a more detailed picture of Lutnick’s past interactions with Epstein. Records show:
- Emails planning potential gatherings with Epstein in the 2010s.
- Discussions involving visits to Epstein’s private island in 2012, including lunch with Lutnick’s family.
- Evidence that Lutnick and Epstein may have shared business interests, including a joint investment in a tech company in 2012.
These details have fueled skepticism among lawmakers who argue that Lutnick’s earlier assurances about cutting ties with Epstein were incomplete or misleading.
Epstein Files: Calls for Lutnick Resignation Grow
The release of these files has triggered bipartisan calls for Lutnick’s resignation despite his denials. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie told CNN, “He should just resign,” pointing to contradictions between Lutnick’s statements and the documents. Meanwhile, Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff posted on social media: “Secretary Lutnick lied to the country about his ties to Epstein… He has no business being our Commerce Secretary. He should resign.”
Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia echoed these remarks, writing on X (formerly Twitter) that Lutnick “must resign or be fired. And he must answer our questions.” These calls reflect growing frustration among lawmakers frustrated by discrepancies between Lutnick’s testimony and the files.
Epstein Files: Administration & White House Response
Despite the mounting pressure, the White House continues to publicly back Lutnick. A statement from a White House spokesperson praised the secretary and framed the controversy as a distraction from broader policy achievements.
“President Trump has assembled the best and most transformative cabinet in modern history … and the administration remains focused on delivering for the American people,” the statement said. A Commerce Department spokesperson also defended Lutnick, repeating that his interactions with Epstein were limited and insisting there was no misconduct.
Why This Matters: Accountability and Public Trust
The uproar over Lutnick’s connections to Epstein comes at a sensitive time in US politics, with ongoing scrutiny of elite ties to the disgraced financier and a massive release of Epstein-related documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
Experts say the controversy raises broader questions about accountability, transparency and ethical standards for senior government officials. As lawmakers debate whether Lutnick should stay in office, public trust issues are likely to intensify, especially as the Justice Department continues to release more documents tied to the Epstein case.
What Happens Next? Senate Oversight & Potential Subpoena
House Oversight Committee leaders have signalled they may pursue deeper investigations, including the possibility of issuing subpoenas to Lutnick and other officials connected to the Epstein files. As of now, a formal subpoena has not been issued, but congressional pressure suggests that additional hearings and inquiries could follow.
