Washington:
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has strongly denied having any significant relationship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as pressure mounts from lawmakers across party lines for him to step down from President Donald Trump’s cabinet.
Testifying before a Senate committee on Tuesday, Lutnick said he had minimal interaction with Epstein over a 14-year period.
“Over a 14 year period, I did not have any relationship with him. I barely had anything to do with that person,” he told lawmakers.
Justice Department Files Spark Political Firestorm
The controversy intensified after recently released US Justice Department files contradicted Lutnick’s earlier statements that he had cut ties with Epstein more than two decades ago. The disclosures have triggered a wave of criticism in Washington, with senior lawmakers questioning his credibility and demanding accountability.
Bipartisan Calls for Resignation
Several prominent lawmakers have publicly urged Lutnick to resign:
- Democratic Senator Adam Schiff said: “Lutnick has no business being our Commerce Secretary, and he should resign immediately.”
- Republican Congressman Thomas Massie told CNN that the commerce secretary “should just resign.”
The bipartisan criticism underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the political pressure facing the administration.
Lutnick Admits to Past Meeting and Family Lunch
During the Senate hearing, Lutnick acknowledged that he had met Epstein in New York and confirmed having lunch with him during a family trip around 2012.
“We were on family vacation,” he said, referring to the encounter involving his wife and children.
However, he reiterated that their interactions were limited and denied any close association.
Political Fallout Continues
The revelations have added to growing scrutiny over senior officials’ past connections with Epstein, with critics arguing that inconsistencies in Lutnick’s statements raise concerns about transparency and trustworthiness in the cabinet.