Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is set to testify before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday regarding his past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The closed-door deposition comes amid an ongoing investigation into Epstein's connections and follows revelations that Lutnick continued correspondence with Epstein after the financier's 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
Key Takeaways
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will testify before the House Oversight Committee about his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The closed-door deposition follows revelations of continued contact between Lutnick and Epstein after 2005.
- Lutnick agreed to a transcribed interview with the committee on Wednesday.
- Documents show he maintained correspondence with Epstein post-conviction in 2008.
- Lutnick acknowledged visiting Epstein's private island but denied any wrongdoing.
- Some lawmakers have called for his resignation over these ties.
The committee's probe has been extensive, involving multiple high-profile figures who have faced scrutiny over their ties to Epstein. According to Fox News, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) had pledged to force a vote to subpoena Lutnick's testimony if he did not voluntarily agree to appear. The session will be transcribed and released later, as per the committee's standard practice.
Lutnick has maintained that his connection to Epstein was limited despite evidence showing they exchanged emails as late as 2018. During a Senate hearing in February, Lutnick acknowledged visiting Epstein's private island in 2012 with his family but denied any wrongdoing. He stated that the visit lasted only an hour and involved another couple with their children.
The revelations have led to calls for Lutnick's resignation from some lawmakers, including Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who co-authored the law mandating the release of Epstein files. Despite these calls, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters in February that Lutnick remains a valued member of the president's team and has the administration's full support.
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