Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has voluntarily agreed to testify before the House Oversight Committee regarding his connections to Jeffrey Epstein. This decision follows bipartisan pressure after new Department of Justice files surfaced linking him to the late sex offender.
Background on the Controversy
Lutnick has not been accused of wrongdoing but has nevertheless faced mounting bipartisan pressure to explain connections that have recently emerged between him and Epstein, his former next-door neighbor.
During previous Senate testimony last month when he appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Lutnick admitted visiting Epstein's notorious private island with his family and nannies in 2012 — years after he previously claimed he had cut off contact with the late money manager.
Congressional Reactions
- Chairman James Comer: Commended Lutnick for his willingness to engage with the Committee. "I commend his demonstrated commitment to transparency and appreciate his willingness to engage with the Committee," Comer said in an X post that confirmed an earlier Axios report.
- Representative Nancy Mace: Called the Cabinet secretary to take questions from the House Oversight Committee in response to a photo that appeared to show Lutnick standing next to Epstein. She will subpoena Lutnick on Wednesday to appear before the committee.