US Commerce Secretary Denies Epstein Ties Amid Bipartisan Resignation Calls
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Tuesday strongly denied having any substantive relationship with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during testimony before a Senate committee. This testimony came as lawmakers from both parties escalated their demands for his resignation following the release of new justice department files.
Lutnick's Testimony and Limited Interactions
Appearing before a Senate appropriations panel, Lutnick stated he had met Epstein only three times over a span of 14 years and firmly rejected claims of any personal or professional association. "I did not have a relationship with Epstein," Lutnick told lawmakers, adding, "Over 14 years, I did not have any relationship with him. I barely had anything to do with that person." He acknowledged a lunch with Epstein on a boat during a family vacation but maintained that all interactions were minimal and insignificant.
New Justice Department Documents Fuel Controversy
The controversy stems from newly released justice department records linked to the Epstein case, which include emails and documents indicating contact between Lutnick and Epstein even after Epstein's 2008 conviction for sex crimes. According to the documents, the material reveals:
- Emails discussing potential meetings between Lutnick and Epstein.
- References to visits to Epstein's private island in 2012.
- Indications of shared business interests, including a reported joint investment in a technology firm.
These records suggest social and business interactions in the 2010s, prompting bipartisan scrutiny and allegations that Lutnick's earlier public statements were incomplete or misleading.
Bipartisan Calls for Resignation and Accountability
The disclosures have triggered strong calls for accountability from both sides of the political aisle. Republican Congressman Thomas Massie stated, "He should just resign," while Democratic senator Adam Schiff wrote on social media, "Secretary Lutnick lied to the country about his ties to Epstein... He has no business being our commerce secretary. He should resign." Democratic Congressman Robert Garcia also demanded that Lutnick step down or face further questioning, highlighting the bipartisan nature of the pressure.
White House Support and Potential Further Investigations
Despite the growing pressure, the White House has stood by Lutnick. A spokesperson said the administration remained focused on its policy agenda, while a commerce department spokesperson reiterated that Lutnick's interactions with Epstein were limited and involved no wrongdoing. However, House oversight committee leaders have indicated that further investigations could follow, including possible subpoenas, as more Epstein-related documents are expected to be released under the Epstein files transparency act.
The situation remains tense as Lutnick faces ongoing scrutiny over his past associations, with the potential for more revelations as additional documents become public. The bipartisan demands for his resignation underscore the seriousness of the allegations and the political fallout from the Epstein case.
