Howard Lutnick Faces Bipartisan Calls to Resign Over Epstein Links/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is facing bipartisan calls to resign following new disclosures tied to Jeffrey Epstein. Recently released Justice Department files suggest continued contact beyond what Lutnick previously acknowledged. Lawmakers say the revelations raise serious concerns about judgment, ethics, and transparency.
Howard Lutnick Epstein Controversy Quick Looks
- Bipartisan lawmakers call for Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to resign
- New DOJ-released Epstein files suggest ongoing contact after 2005
- Sen. Adam Schiff accuses Lutnick of misleading the public
- Files reference planning a later visit to Epstein’s Caribbean island
- House Oversight may consider a subpoena
- Commerce Department declines new comment
- Pressure grows from both Democrats and Republicans
Deep Look: Howard Lutnick Faces Bipartisan Calls to Resign Over Epstein Links
WASHINGTON — Howard Lutnick is under mounting pressure from lawmakers in both parties to step down after newly released records linked to Jeffrey Epstein appear to contradict Lutnick’s prior statements about the nature and duration of their relationship.
The controversy erupted after a fresh batch of documents released by the Department of Justice suggested Lutnick continued interacting with Epstein years after he publicly claimed to have cut ties. In a podcast appearance last year, Lutnick said he vowed in 2005 never again to be in the same room as Epstein. However, the newly disclosed records indicate discussions about a potential visit to Epstein’s private Caribbean island several years later.
Lawmakers Demand Accountability
Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., accused Lutnick of being untruthful about his dealings with Epstein and called for his immediate resignation.
“Lutnick’s lies about his business dealings with a convicted child sex offender raise serious concerns about his judgment and ethics,” Schiff said in a statement. “He has no business being our Commerce Secretary.”
The Department of Commerce did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Previously, a department spokesperson said Lutnick had only “limited interactions” with Epstein, always in the presence of his wife, and has never been accused of wrongdoing.
Oversight Committee Eyes Next Steps
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., said Monday that his panel is focused on enforcing existing subpoenas in its Epstein investigation but did not rule out compelling Lutnick to testify.
“We’re interested in talking to anyone that might have information that would help us get justice for the survivorship,” Comer told reporters.
Bipartisan Pressure Builds
Calls for Lutnick’s resignation are not limited to Democrats. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., said in a recent CNN interview that Lutnick should resign to “make life easier on the president.”
Democrats on the Oversight Committee echoed that sentiment. Rep. Robert Garcia wrote on social media that it was now “clear” Lutnick misrepresented his relationship with Epstein.
“Lutnick must resign or be fired,” Garcia said. “And he must answer our questions.”
What Comes Next
Despite the intensifying criticism, there has been no indication from the White House that Lutnick will resign or be dismissed. Still, the growing bipartisan chorus — paired with the possibility of congressional subpoenas — suggests the controversy is far from over.
As lawmakers continue combing through Epstein-related documents, the scrutiny facing senior officials connected to the disgraced financier is only deepening.
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