Howard Lutnick, the U.S. Commerce Secretary, is scheduled to be questioned by the House Oversight Committee in a closed-door session as part of the committee’s ongoing investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. Multiple outlets report that the interview is expected to take place on Wednesday, with lawmakers conducting a transcribed interview. The committee’s inquiry draws on newly released Epstein-related documents and broader oversight into potential gaps in how authorities handled Epstein’s case.
Several reports note that Lutnick is among the highest-ranking officials named in Epstein case files and that he had prior correspondence and/or contacts with Epstein after Epstein was convicted of soliciting prostitution involving a minor. Bloomberg also describes Lutnick as a former neighbor of Epstein and says he visited Epstein on the Caribbean island where Epstein was housed. One outlet highlights that in testimony transcripts made available after the interview, Lutnick minimizes or downplays an Epstein island visit.
In parallel, Courthouse News reports that some House Democrats call on Lutnick to resign, alleging he attempted to conceal his relationship with Epstein. Other sources focus on the committee’s decision to question him and the scope of the review.
