Howard Lutnick to answer questions from US House over Jeffrey Epstein ties
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will testify behind closed doors before the House Oversight and Reform Committee regarding his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein, following the release of documents showing continued correspondence after Epstein's 2008 conviction.
- Lutnick previously claimed he and his wife cut ties with Epstein in 2005, but documents reveal he visited Epstein's private island in 2012 and maintained contact, contradicting his earlier statements.
- During a February Senate hearing, Lutnick acknowledged the island visit with his family but denied having a relationship with Epstein, stating he "barely had anything to do with that person."
- Committee Chair James Comer expressed interest in questioning Lutnick about his ongoing associations with Epstein post-conviction, noting Lutnick's voluntary cooperation is appreciated.
- The Commerce Department defends Lutnick, calling the investigation a media distraction from his work, while Lutnick maintains he distanced himself from Epstein after an uncomfortable 2005 visit to Epstein's Manhattan home.
