Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday as part of its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. The closed-door deposition comes amid scrutiny over Lutnick's past ties to the late financier, who was convicted of sex trafficking charges before his death in 2019.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
- Lutnick will provide a transcribed, non-public interview to the committee, which will not be recorded on video or under oath.
- The session follows revelations from Department of Justice (DOJ) files showing Lutnick and Epstein maintained contact and business dealings as late as 2014, despite Lutnick's prior claims of cutting ties in 2005.
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
Lutnick's Past Connections to Epstein
Lutnick, a former chairman of Cantor Fitzgerald, lived next to Epstein in New York City and exchanged emails with him as late as 2018. DOJ documents also revealed that Lutnick, his wife, and children visited Epstein's private island, Little St. James, in 2012. Lutnick acknowledged the visit during February Senate testimony, stating it was a brief family lunch.
Business and Financial Links
The two men were investors in Adfin, a now-defunct advertising company, as recently as 2014. A photo from the DOJ files shows Lutnick and Epstein among a group of men on the island, though Lutnick has denied any improper conduct.
Broader Investigation Context
Lutnick is one of several high-profile figures, including former Attorney General Pam Bondi and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, scheduled to testify before the committee. The panel has reviewed over 3 million pages of Epstein-related records, known as the Epstein files, which have sparked renewed interest in his associates.
Lutnick's Statements
In February, Lutnick told the Senate he "barely had anything to do with that person" but acknowledged the island visit. He has maintained that his interactions with Epstein were limited and appropriate.
Committee's Objectives
The House Oversight Committee is examining Epstein's network and potential institutional failures in his case. The panel has not indicated whether Lutnick's testimony will be made public.