Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick donates $5 million to a House Republican political organization in the period leading up to his testimony connected to Jeffrey Epstein. Multiple outlets report that the donation is supported by Federal Election Commission filings and is made to the Congressional Leadership Fund (CLF), a committee backing House Republicans. The Hill and other coverage say Lutnick’s contribution is dated April 1 and occurs about weeks before he appears before the House Oversight Committee regarding matters tied to his relationship with Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The timing is described as occurring after Lutnick agrees to speak with lawmakers or after he has scheduled a closed-door interview with congressional investigators. The New York Times reports that the donation happens after Lutnick agrees to an interview with lawmakers about his relationship with Epstein. According to The Independent, an agency spokesperson says the contribution is made “in his personal capacity.” The reports collectively focus on the donation amount, the recipient organization, the reported filing date, and the proximity to Lutnick’s congressional testimony.