US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick appeared before the House Oversight and Reform Committee on Wednesday to answer questions about his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The closed-door interview, part of a broader investigation into Epstein, saw Lutnick answer nearly 400 questions, according to a Commerce Department spokesperson.
Democrats on the committee sharply criticised Lutnick's testimony, with Representative Ro Khanna accusing him of 'contortions and lies' and calling for his resignation. Representative Suhas Subramanyam described Lutnick as 'evasive, nervous and dishonest'. The committee chair, Republican James Comer, disputed this account, stating Lutnick was 'very transparent' and had corrected previous statements.
The hearing follows the release of Justice Department documents showing Lutnick maintained contact with Epstein after his 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor. Lutnick had previously claimed he cut ties in 2005. In February, Lutnick acknowledged visiting Epstein's private island in 2012 with his family, describing it as a one-hour lunch.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has affirmed President Trump's full support for Lutnick, who has not been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. The transcript of Wednesday's interview is expected to be released at a later date.
