Howard Lutnick faced an intense closed-door showdown before the House Oversight Committee after newly released Epstein files contradicted years of public claims that he cut ties with Jeffrey Epstein around 2005. According to the records discussed during the hearing, Lutnick maintained contact with Epstein well after Epstein’s 2008 conviction, including a 2012 visit to Epstein’s private Caribbean island with his wife and children. Lawmakers questioned Lutnick about emails, scheduling records, and business interactions that appeared inconsistent with his earlier statements minimizing the relationship. Lutnick reportedly acknowledged during testimony that he accepted an invitation to Epstein’s island despite previously describing Epstein as someone he no longer wanted to associate with after an unsettling visit to Epstein’s Manhattan home years earlier

The hearing quickly turned combative, with Democrats accusing Lutnick of evasiveness and dishonesty while some Republicans defended his cooperation with the committee. Several lawmakers argued the testimony raised broader questions about how many powerful figures continued associating with Epstein long after his criminal conduct became publicly known. Lutnick insisted the relationship was limited and denied any wrongdoing, but critics pointed to the growing paper trail showing continued contact, including reported invitations, meetings, and social interactions extending into the 2010s. The controversy has intensified because Lutnick is one of the highest-ranking officials in the Trump administration to become deeply entangled in the Epstein fallout, fueling calls from some lawmakers for resignation or further investigation. The closed-door session is expected to become part of the larger congressional inquiry into Epstein’s network, the handling of the files, and the relationships powerful political and business figures maintained with Epstein after his conviction.

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Howard Lutnick evasive during Epstein testimony, House Democrats say

Congressional Investigators Question Howard Lutnick Over Epstein Relationship