Trump Commerce Chief Agrees to Testify in Congressional Epstein Probe

Howard Lutnick, a billionaire former New York financier, has faced pressure over his associations with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has agreed to testify in the congressional inquiry of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the chairman of the committee conducting the investigation said Tuesday. Lutnick has faced scrutiny over his ties to Epstein, including a meeting on Epstein's private island that Lutnick confirmed. The Republican-led House Oversight Committee has also sought testimony from other prominent figures, including Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who has admitted a "huge mistake" in associating with Epstein.

Why it matters

The congressional probe into Epstein's network of powerful associates has faced criticism for allegedly targeting political opponents of former President Trump. Lutnick's agreement to testify could help address those concerns and shed more light on the extent of Epstein's connections to high-profile individuals.

The details

Records have emerged showing Lutnick's plans in 2012 to meet Epstein for lunch in Little Saint James, notoriously known as 'Epstein Island.' Lutnick confirmed in a US Senate hearing last month that he did meet with Epstein on the Caribbean island, but said his family was with him and he saw nothing untoward. The Republican-led House Oversight Committee began its investigation of Epstein and his imprisoned accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell last year, but the probe has been reinvigorated by the release of a huge trove of government files on the pair.

  • In 2005, Lutnick moved in next door to Epstein.
  • In a podcast last year, Lutnick recounted receiving a disturbing house tour from Epstein in 2005.
  • In 2012, Lutnick had plans to meet Epstein for lunch on Little Saint James, Epstein's private island.
  • Last month, Lutnick confirmed in a US Senate hearing that he did meet with Epstein on the Caribbean island.

The players

Howard Lutnick

The US Commerce Secretary and a billionaire former New York financier who has faced scrutiny over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

James Comer

The Republican chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which is conducting the congressional inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein.

Bill Gates

The co-founder of Microsoft, who has been sought to testify by the House Oversight Committee over suspected ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

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What they’re saying

“Secretary Lutnick has proactively agreed to appear voluntarily before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.”

— James Comer, Republican chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (Breitbart)

“So I was never in the room with him socially, for business or even philanthropy.”

— Howard Lutnick (Breitbart)

“I saw nothing illicit during my time with him.”

— Bill Gates (Breitbart)

What’s next

The House Oversight Committee has not yet announced a specific date for Lutnick's testimony.

The takeaway

Lutnick's agreement to testify could help address concerns that the congressional probe into Epstein's network has been politically motivated, as the committee seeks to gather more information on the extent of Epstein's connections to high-profile individuals.