Lutnick and Epstein: Calls for Resignation Mount Amidst New Revelations
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, a prominent figure in President Trump’s administration, is under increasing pressure to resign following the release of new documents detailing his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The revelations have sparked bipartisan outrage and calls for accountability.
Bipartisan Calls for Resignation
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie was among the first to publicly demand Lutnick’s resignation, stating, “He’s got a lot to answer for.” Massie pointed to evidence suggesting Lutnick continued contact with Epstein even after the latter pleaded guilty to sex crimes. “Look, Howard Lutnick clearly went to the island if we believe what’s in these files. He was in business with Jeffrey Epstein. And this was many years after Jeffrey Epstein was convicted,” Massie explained on CNN’s “Inside Politics.” He added, “He should make life easier on the president, frankly, and just resign.”
Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna echoed these sentiments, having previously led efforts to compel the Justice Department to release the Epstein files. Rep. Robert Garcia, ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, stated on X (formerly Twitter), “It’s now clear that Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has been lying about his relationship with Epstein… Lutnick must resign or be fired.”
Contradictory Statements and New Evidence
Lutnick had previously claimed to have distanced himself from Epstein in the mid-2000s, even stating on the “Pod Force One” podcast, “If that guy was there, I wasn’t going because he’s gross.” However, newly released documents paint a different picture. An email from Epstein’s schedule shows plans for drinks with Lutnick in 2011, and further documents reveal plans for Lutnick and his family to visit Epstein’s private island in 2012. Legal records also indicate a joint investment by Lutnick and Epstein in a business venture that same month.
The Department of Commerce acknowledged that Lutnick and his wife met Epstein in 2005 and had “very limited interactions” over the following 14 years. However, the evidence suggests a more substantial and prolonged relationship than previously disclosed.
White House Support and Congressional Investigations
Despite the mounting pressure, the White House has publicly defended Lutnick. Spokesman Kush Desai stated, “President Trump has assembled the best and most transformative cabinet in modern history… The entire Trump administration… remains focused on delivering for the American people.”
The House Oversight Committee, led by Chairman James Comer, is currently investigating Epstein’s network. While Comer indicated a focus on securing testimony from other key figures like Bill and Hillary Clinton and Les Wexner, he acknowledged interest in speaking with anyone who might have information related to the case. Democrats on the committee have also expressed a desire to subpoena Lutnick, but face challenges due to majority consent requirements.
Looking Ahead
The controversy surrounding Lutnick’s ties to Epstein is likely to intensify as more information comes to light. The calls for his resignation are growing louder, and the pressure on the Commerce Secretary to address the allegations and provide a full accounting of his relationship with Epstein will undoubtedly continue. The situation highlights the ongoing scrutiny of individuals connected to Epstein and the demand for accountability in the wake of his crimes.
ABC News’ Isabella Murray and Hannah Demissie contributed to this report.
U.S. Department of Justice – Official website for information on legal proceedings and investigations.
CNN – For ongoing news coverage and analysis of the Lutnick-Epstein controversy.
