WASHINGTON (AP) — Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick found himself under intense scrutiny during a Senate hearing on Tuesday, where he admitted to meeting Jeffrey Epstein twice after Epstein's conviction in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor. This admission directly contradicts previous claims made by Lutnick that he had cut off all ties with Epstein after 2005.
Responding to questions from Senate Democrats, Lutnick described his interactions with Epstein as limited, consisting of a few emails and just two meetings years apart. 'I did not have any relationship with him. I barely had anything to do with him,' Lutnick asserted, attempting to downplay the connections.
Despite his denials, calls for his resignation are growing louder, especially in the wake of the release of Epstein's case files which reveal details counter to Lutnick's previous assertions. During the hearing, it was revealed that Lutnick had lunch with Epstein on his private island in 2012 and visited Epstein's residence in 2011, events he had not disclosed prior.
As a member of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet, Lutnick is currently the most prominent U.S. official facing bipartisan calls for accountability in light of his previously concealed interactions with the notorious financier. Senators are emphasizing the need for transparency and responsibility in the context of these revelations.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen pointed out the troubling nature of Lutnick's admission, indicating that it showcases a possible misleading of Congress and the public in his prior statements about their relationship. He remarked, 'There’s not an indication that you yourself engaged in any wrongdoing with Jeffrey Epstein. It’s the fact that you believe that you misled the country and the Congress based on your earlier statements.'
House members pushing for enhanced transparency regarding Epstein files are united in their calls for Lutnick's resignation. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna both echoed the sentiment that Lutnick's position is untenable in light of recent disclosures.
This case raises broader questions about accountability for public officials and their connections to individuals with histories of exploitation. 'In this country, we have to make a decision. Are we going to allow the rich and powerful people who are friends and had no problem doing business and showing up with a pedophile who is raping underage girls, are we just going to allow them to skate?' Khanna pressed, as the conversation surrounding Lutnick's future within the Cabinet continues.
Responding to questions from Senate Democrats, Lutnick described his interactions with Epstein as limited, consisting of a few emails and just two meetings years apart. 'I did not have any relationship with him. I barely had anything to do with him,' Lutnick asserted, attempting to downplay the connections.
Despite his denials, calls for his resignation are growing louder, especially in the wake of the release of Epstein's case files which reveal details counter to Lutnick's previous assertions. During the hearing, it was revealed that Lutnick had lunch with Epstein on his private island in 2012 and visited Epstein's residence in 2011, events he had not disclosed prior.
As a member of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet, Lutnick is currently the most prominent U.S. official facing bipartisan calls for accountability in light of his previously concealed interactions with the notorious financier. Senators are emphasizing the need for transparency and responsibility in the context of these revelations.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen pointed out the troubling nature of Lutnick's admission, indicating that it showcases a possible misleading of Congress and the public in his prior statements about their relationship. He remarked, 'There’s not an indication that you yourself engaged in any wrongdoing with Jeffrey Epstein. It’s the fact that you believe that you misled the country and the Congress based on your earlier statements.'
House members pushing for enhanced transparency regarding Epstein files are united in their calls for Lutnick's resignation. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna both echoed the sentiment that Lutnick's position is untenable in light of recent disclosures.
This case raises broader questions about accountability for public officials and their connections to individuals with histories of exploitation. 'In this country, we have to make a decision. Are we going to allow the rich and powerful people who are friends and had no problem doing business and showing up with a pedophile who is raping underage girls, are we just going to allow them to skate?' Khanna pressed, as the conversation surrounding Lutnick's future within the Cabinet continues.
