Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to Testify on Epstein Ties Before House Committee

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday in a closed-door transcribed interview about his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The session marks the first time a current Trump administration Cabinet official will face questions as part of the committee's investigation into the late financier.

Lutnick agreed to the voluntary appearance after months of scrutiny over documents released by the Department of Justice.

Documents released in January showed that Lutnick maintained contact with Epstein after his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. These records include a scheduled 2011 appointment and a 2012 family lunch on Epstein's private island in the Caribbean.

Lutnick told the Senate Appropriations Committee in February that he visited the island with his wife, four children, and nannies during a family vacation. He said the group had lunch for about an hour and then left. >"My wife was with me, as were my four children and nannies," Lutnick said.

" Lutnick had previously stated on a podcast last year that he and his wife decided after a 2005 visit to Epstein's Manhattan home never to be in a room with him again. He described Epstein as "gross" and said the decision was made in the steps between their neighboring townhouses.

and Administration Response

Some lawmakers have called for Lutnick to resign over the revelations. President Donald Trump has expressed support for Lutnick, describing him as a "very innocent guy" doing a good job. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in February that the president "fully supports" Lutnick.

The committee has already heard from Bill and Hillary Clinton as part of its Epstein investigation. Former Attorney General Pam Bondi is scheduled to appear later this month, and tech billionaire Bill Gates is slated to testify in June. A Commerce Department spokesperson said Lutnick looks forward to addressing questions and putting to rest what the department called inaccurate and baseless media claims designed to distract from his work.