Lutnick Refuses to Discuss Epstein Ties at House Budget Hearing

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick repeatedly declined to discuss his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein during a House Appropriations Committee hearing on the Commerce Department's 2027 budget request. C.

Fox News reported that Lutnick insisted the setting was not appropriate for such questions, as he was there to address the budget. Rep. , questioned Lutnick on reports that he visited Epstein’s private island in 2012 and exchanged business emails with Epstein as recently as 2018.

Meng asked why Lutnick had claimed to have cut off contact with Epstein in 2005. Lutnick had previously stated he was never in a room with Epstein after 2005.

He added that he had 'nothing to hide' and agreed to address any and all questions in a separate session with lawmakers in the coming weeks. 'Today I am here to testify about the budget,' Lutnick stated during the exchange. Later in the hearing, Rep.

Confronted Lutnick and asked why he lied about his relationship with Epstein. Dean raised the possibility that President Donald Trump could remove Lutnick from his post. Lutnick again declined to engage directly, pointing to a future appearance before another committee.

'Let the record reflect—you’re dodging the question. The cover-up continues,' Dean said before mentioning the potential for Trump to act. Lutnick joined the second Trump administration in 2025 after co-chairing Trump's transition team.

Fox News reported that Lutnick is expected to face more direct questioning from lawmakers in May. Lutnick and Epstein lived next door to each other in New York. U.S. Department of Justice release of Epstein files, photographed on Jan.

2, 2024.