US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick appeared before the House oversight and reform committee on Wednesday to answer questions about his past associations with Jeffrey Epstein. The voluntary session, held behind closed doors, saw Lutnick respond to nearly 400 questions from members and staff, according to a commerce department spokesperson.
Democrats on the committee sharply criticised Lutnick's performance, accusing him of being evasive and dishonest. Congressman Ro Khanna said Lutnick's testimony was 'contortions and lies', while Suhas Subramanyam called for his resignation, describing the hearing as 'absolutely mind-boggling'. The criticisms come after documents released in January showed Lutnick maintained contact with Epstein after the financier's 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor, contradicting Lutnick's earlier claim that he cut ties in 2005.
Republican committee chair James Comer defended Lutnick, stating he was 'very transparent' and had come voluntarily. Comer noted that Lutnick corrected previous statements during the interview. The session is part of the committee's broader investigation into Epstein, with a transcript to be released later.
Lutnick, who has not been accused of wrongdoing, acknowledged visiting Epstein's private island in 2012 with his family for lunch. He told lawmakers, 'I did not have any relationship with him. I barely had anything to do with that person.' The White House has expressed full support for Lutnick, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating he remains 'a very important member' of the president's team.
