US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick on Tuesday strongly denied having any substantive relationship with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during testimony before a Senate committee, even as lawmakers from both parties stepped up calls for his resignation following the release of new justice department files.Appearing before a Senate appropriations panel, Lutnick said he had met Epstein only three times over a span of 14 years and rejected claims of any personal or professional association. “I did not have a relationship with Epstein,” Lutnick told lawmakers, adding, “Over 14 years, I did not have any relationship with him. I barely had anything to do with that person.”The controversy stems from newly released justice department records linked to the Epstein case, which include emails and documents indicating contact between Lutnick and Epstein even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for sex crimes. Some records suggest social and business interactions in the 2010s, prompting bipartisan scrutiny and allegations that Lutnick’s earlier public statements were incomplete.According to the documents, the material includes emails discussing potential meetings, references to visits to Epstein’s private island in 2012, and indications of shared business interests, including a reported joint investment in a technology firm. Lutnick acknowledged a lunch with Epstein on a boat during a family vacation but maintained that the interactions were limited. “I have done absolutely nothing wrong in any possible regard in relation to Epstein,” he said.The disclosures have triggered calls for accountability from both sides of the aisle. Republican Congressman Thomas Massie said, “He should just resign,” while Democratic senator Adam Schiff wrote on social media, “Secretary Lutnick lied to the country about his ties to Epstein… He has no business being our commerce secretary. He should resign.” Democratic Congressman Robert Garcia also demanded that Lutnick step down or face further questioning.Despite the growing pressure, the White House has stood by Lutnick. A spokesperson said the administration remained focused on its policy agenda, while a commerce department spokesperson reiterated that Lutnick’s interactions with Epstein were limited and involved no wrongdoing.House oversight committee leaders have indicated that further investigations could follow, including possible subpoenas, as more Epstein-related documents are expected to be released under the Epstein files transparency act.
