Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick agrees to House Oversight Committee deposition over Epstein ties

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will testify before the House Oversight Committee to "set the record straight" regarding his 2012 visit to Jeffrey Epstein's island.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 3, 2026, 4:59 PM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Mediaite

Commitment to Transparency

Howard Lutnick, a prominent member of the Trump Cabinet, announced on Tuesday that he will voluntarily testify before the House Oversight Committee regarding his past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein. Lutnick’s decision to "set the record straight" comes after intense scrutiny from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers following the publication of photographs showing him on Epstein’s private island. Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) praised the Secretary’s demonstrated commitment to transparency, noting that the interview will be a critical component of the ongoing probe into Epstein's influential social circle.

Clarifying the Timeline of Association

The controversy surrounding Lutnick centers on a 2012 visit to Little Saint James. While the Commerce Secretary previously stated that he severed ties with Epstein in the mid-2000s, he later clarified during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing that he had lunch on the island while on a family boat trip. Lutnick maintains that his relationship with Epstein was primarily as a neighbor in New York City and that he only recalls meeting the financier three times over a 14-year period. He has consistently denied any knowledge of or involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities.

Political Context and Presidential Support

The call for Lutnick’s testimony was spearheaded by Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC), who has been a vocal advocate for investigating all high-profile figures linked to Epstein. President Donald Trump has largely dismissed concerns regarding Lutnick’s involvement, suggesting that because the Secretary was accompanied by his wife and children, the visit was likely benign. This public defense has allowed Lutnick to remain in his cabinet position while the House Oversight Committee continues its broader investigation, which recently included nine hours of interviews with Bill and Hillary Clinton.