Commerce Secretary Lutnick Faces Calls to Resign Over Epstein Ties

New revelations in Epstein files contradict Lutnick's previous statements about his relationship with the convicted sex offender.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is facing growing calls to resign this week after new revelations in a fresh batch of the Jeffrey Epstein files tied him to the convicted sex offender more closely and more recently than had previously been known. Lutnick admitted to visiting Epstein's private island in 2012, contradicting his previous statements that he cut off contact with Epstein after initially meeting him in 2005.

Why it matters

The latest revelations about Lutnick's ties to Epstein have sparked bipartisan calls for his resignation, with some lawmakers accusing him of lying about the extent of his relationship with the disgraced financier. The scandal also threatens to shake up the political status quo in the U.K., where Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing calls to resign over his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as U.K. ambassador to the U.S. despite Mandelson's close ties to Epstein.

The details

Lutnick admitted to visiting Epstein's private island in December 2012, saying his wife and four children were with him at the time. He claimed he did not witness any sex crimes that are alleged to have occurred on the island. However, this contradicts Lutnick's previous statements indicating that he cut off contact with Epstein after initially meeting him in 2005.

  • Lutnick first met Epstein in 2005.
  • Lutnick visited Epstein's private island in December 2012.

The players

Howard Lutnick

The current U.S. Commerce Secretary who is facing growing calls to resign over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

President Trump

The U.S. president who has expressed unwavering support for Lutnick and said he remains an important member of the administration.

Thomas Massie

A Republican Congressman who has called for Lutnick to resign, saying he should step down like others in Britain have over their ties to Epstein.

Mike Johnson

A Republican Congressman who has defended Lutnick, calling Massie's call for him to resign "absurd" and saying Lutnick is a "great Commerce secretary".

James Comer

The Republican Chair of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, who has not ruled out subpoenaing Lutnick to testify about his ties to Epstein.

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What they’re saying

“He should just resign. I mean, there are three people in Great Britain that have resigned in politics. The ambassador from Great Britain to the United States, the prince lost his title for less than what we've seen Howard Lutnick lie about.”

— Thomas Massie, U.S. Congressman (CNN)

“Of course not. That's absurd. Howard Lutnick is a great Commerce secretary. He's done an extraordinary job for the country, and Thomas Massie should stop playing political games.”

— Mike Johnson, U.S. Congressman (N/A)

“As you know, Mr. Secretary, the issue is not that you engaged in any wrongdoing in connection with Jeffrey Epstein, but that you totally misrepresented the extent of your relationship with him to the Congress, to the American people, and to the survivors of his despicable, criminal and predatory acts.”

— Chris Van Hollen, U.S. Senator (N/A)

What’s next

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee may subpoena Lutnick to testify about his ties to Epstein.

The takeaway

The latest revelations about Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have sparked bipartisan calls for his resignation, raising questions about transparency and accountability in the Trump administration.