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NewsThe GuardianMay 6, 2026United States

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to Testify on Ties to Jeffrey Epstein

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is scheduled to provide a transcribed interview to the House Oversight and Reform Committee regarding his past associations with Jeffrey Epstein. The testimony follows the release of Justice Department documents that appear to contradict Lutnick's previous statements about when he ended his contact with the financier.

congressional oversightcommerce departmentjeffrey epsteingovernment ethics
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Why It Matters

The testimony addresses potential discrepancies in public statements made by a high-ranking cabinet official regarding his relationship with a convicted sex offender, which has prompted calls for his resignation from some members of Congress.

Key Facts

  • Howard Lutnick is scheduled to appear before the House Oversight and Reform Committee on Wednesday for a transcribed interview.
  • The interview will be conducted behind closed doors, with a transcript to be released at a later date.
  • Justice Department documents released in January show Lutnick maintained contact with Jeffrey Epstein after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
  • Lutnick previously claimed last year that he and his wife cut ties with Epstein in 2005.
  • Lutnick acknowledged during a February Senate hearing that he visited Epstein's private island in 2012 for lunch with his family.
  • Epstein's schedule for May 1, 2011, lists a scheduled appointment with Lutnick.
  • Lutnick previously stated on a podcast that he and his wife decided to never be in a room with Epstein again after a 2005 visit to Epstein's home.
  • Lutnick has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
  • Representative Thomas Massie has publicly called for Lutnick to resign.
  • The White House has stated that the President continues to support Lutnick.

Who's Mentioned

organizationHouse Oversight and Reform Committee“Congressional committee conducting the investigation”personThomas Massie“Republican Representative who called for Lutnick's resignation”organizationJustice Department“Released documents related to Epstein”personHoward Lutnick“US Commerce Secretary”personJeffrey Epstein“Disgraced financier and convicted sex offender”personKaroline Leavitt“White House press secretary”