Commerce Secretary Lutnick to Testify Before House Panel on Epstein Ties
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will voluntarily appear before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee to address his relationship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Chairman James Comer announced Tuesday. The announcement comes after a photograph of Lutnick with Epstein surfaced, prompting calls for his testimony.
Lutnick “proactively agreed to appear” before the committee, Comer said in a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I commend his demonstrated commitment to transparency and appreciate his willingness to engage with the Committee,” Comer added.
The impetus for the inquiry arose after Representative Nancy Mace, R-S.C., highlighted the photograph found within Justice Department files related to the Epstein investigation. Lutnick has previously acknowledged interactions with Epstein, including visits to his Caribbean island with his family, following Epstein’s 2008 conviction for procuring a child for prostitution.
While Lutnick has not been accused of any wrongdoing related to Epstein’s crimes, the committee’s interest reflects ongoing scrutiny of individuals who associated with the financier. Representative Ro Khanna, D-Calif., the ranking member of the oversight committee, indicated Friday that sufficient votes existed to subpoena Lutnick had he not agreed to testify voluntarily.
The House Oversight Committee has been investigating Epstein’s network and potential cover-ups related to his abuse for some time. The committee’s work aims to uncover the full extent of Epstein’s crimes and the involvement of others.
