Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick Faces House Panel Over Epstein Ties, Accused of Evasion and Lies

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick appeared before the House Oversight Committee on May 6, 2026, to answer questions about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier convicted in 2008 of soliciting prostitution from an underage girl. The closed-door interview lasted just over four hours, shorter than usual for the committee, but it quickly exposed deep partisan divides over Lutnick’s credibility and transparency.

Democrats emerged from the session accusing Lutnick of lying and dodging critical questions about his interactions with Epstein in the years following Epstein’s conviction. They pointed to Lutnick’s previously contradictory statements as evidence that he is trying to hide the extent of his involvement or knowledge.

In stark contrast, Republican committee chair Rep. James Comer of Kentucky described Lutnick as “forthcoming,” emphasizing that the secretary had limited contact with Epstein and had cooperated with the investigation. Comer defended the decision to release only a transcript of the interview, not video footage, arguing that voluntary cooperation should be rewarded and that video recordings are not always necessary.

This selective transparency drew sharp criticism from Democrats, who highlighted the inconsistency given that other high-profile figures, including former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, had their interviews recorded on video. They warned that withholding video undermines public trust and shields Lutnick from the same level of scrutiny.

The Lutnick interview is the latest chapter in the ongoing congressional probe into Epstein’s network of powerful enablers and the failure of institutions to hold them accountable. It underscores the persistent challenges in uncovering the full scope of Epstein’s influence and the reluctance of some officials to fully disclose their connections.

As the investigation continues, Lutnick’s evasive performance raises urgent questions about who else in the Trump administration may have ties to Epstein and whether they will be held accountable. For now, the Commerce Secretary’s answers have only deepened suspicions and fueled demands for greater transparency and justice for Epstein’s victims.