Commerce Secretary Lutnick Dodges Questions on Epstein Ties in Closed-Door Congressional Testimony

Howard Lutnick, the Secretary of Commerce, faced tough questioning today in a closed-door deposition before the House Oversight Committee investigating the Trump administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Lawmakers described his testimony as evasive and riddled with distortions, as Lutnick repeatedly dodged direct answers about his relationship with Epstein.

Lutnick has long insisted he severed all ties with Epstein in 2005 and claimed he was “never in the room with him” after that date. However, newly unsealed documents reveal a different story. Email records show Lutnick continued communicating with Epstein well after 2005, and he even traveled to Epstein’s private island in 2012, contradicting his previous statements.

During the deposition, Lutnick feigned memory lapses about his visits to Epstein’s island and refused to disclose whether he discussed his testimony with former President Donald Trump. Both Democrats and Republicans on the committee have expressed outrage over these revelations and are demanding Lutnick’s resignation.

Kendall Witmer, Director of DNC Rapid Response, slammed Lutnick’s testimony: “Howard Lutnick has already lied about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein — and it seems like there’s more he’s still not being honest about. Despite their claims, it’s clear that Lutnick and Donald Trump were friends with Epstein — so it’s no wonder the Trump administration spent months stonewalling the release of the Epstein files. Instead of hiding behind closed doors and blocking the full release of the files, Trump, Lutnick, and the rest of this administration owe the American people transparency and accountability.”

The Epstein files remain largely unreleased, with an estimated 3 million pages still withheld from the public. An investigation uncovered that the Department of Justice under Trump withheld documents related to serious allegations involving Trump himself. Former Attorney General Pam Bondi, dismissed last month amid criticism over her handling of the Epstein files, is also scheduled to testify before the committee.

This latest testimony underscores the ongoing pattern of cover-ups and obfuscation surrounding Epstein’s network and its powerful enablers. The American people deserve full disclosure and accountability from those who sought to protect Epstein and themselves at the expense of justice.