House Oversight Chair Faces Pressure Over Epstein Ties of Commerce Secretary

Democrats demand subpoena of Lutnick over documented connections to convicted sex offender

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, says Chairman James Comer has given him "no response" on his request to subpoena Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to testify about his documented ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Garcia claims Lutnick's relationship with Epstein goes beyond "limited interactions" as Lutnick has characterized, with evidence showing business deals, planned family vacations, and partnerships years after Epstein's conviction.

Why it matters

The Epstein investigation has long been plagued by institutions and powerful figures stonewalling and delaying accountability. This latest clash over whether to compel Lutnick's testimony highlights the ongoing tensions between Democrats' demands for transparency and Republicans' concerns about jeopardizing other Epstein-related depositions.

The details

Investigative documents released by the Department of Justice have painted a picture of Lutnick's relationship with Epstein that goes well beyond the "limited interactions" Lutnick has claimed. In 2012, four years after Epstein's conviction for crimes against children, Lutnick and Epstein signed an agreement to acquire stakes in a now-shuttered advertising technology company. That same month, Lutnick and his family planned to visit Epstein's private island. As recently as 2014, Lutnick maintained a business partnership with Epstein.

  • In 2005, Lutnick and Epstein first met.
  • In 2008, Epstein pleaded guilty to Florida state charges of procuring a child for prostitution and soliciting a prostitute.
  • In December 2012, Lutnick and Epstein signed an agreement to acquire stakes in a now-shuttered advertising technology company.
  • In December 2012, Lutnick and his family planned to visit Epstein's private island.
  • As recently as 2014, Lutnick maintained a business partnership with Epstein.

The players

Rep. Robert Garcia

The top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee who has demanded that Chairman James Comer subpoena Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to testify about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

James Comer

The Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee who has not responded to Garcia's request to subpoena Lutnick, citing concerns about jeopardizing other Epstein-related depositions.

Howard Lutnick

The Commerce Secretary who has documented business ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including signing deals and planning family vacations years after Epstein's conviction.

Jeffrey Epstein

The convicted sex offender whose connections to powerful figures like Lutnick have come under renewed scrutiny.

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What they’re saying

“Not only did he visit the island, he had tons of communication with Jeffrey Epstein after it was already known that Jeffrey Epstein was essentially convicted for preying on children.”

— Rep. Robert Garcia, Top Democrat, House Oversight Committee (CBS News)

“We'll see what happens here, and we'll move forward. We're interested in talking to anyone that might have any information that would help us get justice for the survivors.”

— James Comer, Republican Chairman, House Oversight Committee (Conservative Journal Review)

What’s next

The House Oversight Committee has five Epstein-related depositions scheduled, including one with former Victoria's Secret CEO Les Wexner on February 18. How Wexner and others respond will signal whether the investigation has real teeth or is still being hampered by stonewalling from powerful figures.

The takeaway

The Epstein investigation has touched figures across the political spectrum, and the public appetite for full transparency has not faded. Regardless of party affiliation, there are questions about whether a sitting cabinet secretary should answer questions about documented business ties to a convicted child predator.