Trump Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick under fire: Epstein files spark bipartisan calls for resignation
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Image Credit: Alex Brandon/AP
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, a senior figure in President Donald Trump’s Cabinet, is facing escalating bipartisan pressure to resign following the release of newly unredacted Jeffrey Epstein files that contradict his previous public statements about the extent of his relationship with the disgraced financier.
Documents released by the Department of Justice reveal that Lutnick remained in contact with Epstein as late as 2018, long after Epstein pleaded guilty to sex crimes involving a minor. The revelations have ignited political backlash across party lines, with lawmakers accusing Lutnick of misleading the public and Congress.
Bipartisan Lawmakers Call for Lutnick’s Resignation
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky became one of the most prominent voices calling for Lutnick’s resignation, saying the Commerce Secretary should step aside to avoid further damage to the administration.
“Howard Lutnick clearly went to the island if we believe what’s in these files,” Massie said. “He was in business with Jeffrey Epstein years after Epstein was convicted. He’s got a lot to answer for, but really, he should just resign.”
Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia, the ranking member on the House Oversight Committee, echoed the call, accusing Lutnick of lying about his post-2005 interactions with Epstein.
“It’s now clear that Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has been lying about his relationship with Epstein,” Garcia wrote. “He must resign or be fired, and he must answer our questions.”
Contradictions Between Past Statements and New Evidence
Lutnick has repeatedly insisted he cut ties with Epstein in the mid-2000s. In an October podcast appearance, he claimed he avoided Epstein socially, professionally, and philanthropically.
“If that guy was there, I wasn’t going,” Lutnick said at the time. “That’s my story. A one and absolutely done.”
However, newly released records tell a different story. An email from Epstein’s schedule shows plans for drinks with Lutnick in May 2011, and legal documents indicate that in December 2012, both men invested in the same business. That same month, records show the Lutnick family planned a visit to Epstein’s private island.
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Epstein Files Renew Oversight Scrutiny
The release of roughly 3 million pages of unredacted Epstein documents has intensified scrutiny across Washington. Lawmakers including Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna pushed for the Justice Department to make the files public, citing the need for transparency and accountability.
Members of Congress have since reviewed the documents in person, raising new questions about who knew what, and when, regarding Epstein’s continued influence among powerful elites.
Commerce Department and White House Respond
A spokesperson for the Department of Commerce acknowledged Lutnick’s interactions with Epstein but attempted to downplay their significance.
“Mr. and Mrs. Lutnick met Jeffrey Epstein in 2005 and had very limited interactions with him over the next 14 years,” the spokesperson said.
The White House, meanwhile, has publicly stood by Lutnick. In a statement, spokesperson Kush Desai said the administration remains focused on governance rather than controversy.
“President Trump has assembled the most transformative cabinet in modern history,” Desai said. “Secretary Lutnick and the Department of Commerce remain focused on delivering for the American people.”
Will Lutnick Be Subpoenaed?
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer confirmed the panel is reviewing potential subpoenas related to the Epstein investigation but stopped short of committing to calling Lutnick to testify.
“We’re interested in talking to anyone who can help us get justice for the survivors,” Comer said.
Democrats on the committee, including Rep. Melanie Stansbury, said they would support calling Lutnick but emphasized that subpoenas require majority approval.
“I personally believe Mr. Lutnick needs to step down immediately,” Stansbury said.
Political Stakes for the Trump Administration
The controversy places renewed pressure on President Trump as his administration seeks to navigate growing fallout from the Epstein revelations. With high-profile figures already under scrutiny, Lutnick’s continued presence in the Cabinet could become a political liability heading into a contentious election year.
For now, Lutnick has not announced any intention to resign. But as lawmakers review more documents and public pressure builds, his future as Commerce Secretary remains increasingly uncertain.
FAQ
Who is Howard Lutnick?
Howard Lutnick is the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and a senior member of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet.
Why is Howard Lutnick facing calls to resign?
Lawmakers say newly released Epstein files show Lutnick remained in contact and business dealings with Jeffrey Epstein years after Epstein’s sex-crime conviction.
What do the Epstein documents reveal about Lutnick?
The files indicate meetings, shared investments, and planned travel involving Lutnick and Epstein between 2011 and 2018.
Did Howard Lutnick deny knowing Epstein?
Lutnick previously claimed he cut ties with Epstein in the mid-2000s, statements now contradicted by official documents.
Has Howard Lutnick been subpoenaed?
As of now, he has not been subpoenaed, but House Oversight leaders say his testimony remains a possibility.
Is the White House supporting Howard Lutnick?
Yes. The Trump administration has publicly defended Lutnick and has not indicated plans to remove him.
What role does Congress play in this investigation?
Congressional committees are reviewing unredacted Epstein files and determining whether additional witnesses, including Lutnick, should testify.
Could Howard Lutnick resign?
While he has not announced plans to resign, bipartisan pressure continues to mount, making his position increasingly uncertain.