Commerce Secretary to Face Questioning on Epstein Ties

Howard Lutnick will voluntarily meet with House Oversight Committee next month.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:09pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty government office or meeting room, with warm sunlight streaming in through the windows and deep shadows cast across the room, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and investigation into the connections between powerful figures and the late Jeffrey Epstein.As Congress investigates the web of powerful associates connected to Jeffrey Epstein, the upcoming testimony of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick could shed new light on the late financier's extensive network.NYC Today

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will voluntarily meet with the House Oversight Committee on May 6 to answer questions about his connection to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Epstein files released by the Justice Department showed that Lutnick had closer ties to Epstein than was previously known, including visiting Epstein's island in 2012 and inviting him to a Hillary Clinton fundraiser in 2015.

Why it matters

The House Oversight Committee's investigation into Epstein's connections to powerful figures aims to shed light on the late financier's extensive network and any potential wrongdoing by those associated with him. Lutnick's upcoming testimony could provide new details about the extent of his relationship with Epstein.

The details

According to a source familiar with the schedule, Lutnick will meet with the House Oversight Committee on May 6. Oversight Committee chair James Comer, R-Ky., had previously announced that Lutnick had 'proactively agreed to appear voluntarily' before the panel. The Commerce Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Files released by the Justice Department showed that Lutnick and his family visited Epstein's island in 2012, four years after Epstein pleaded guilty to sex crimes, and that Lutnick appeared to invite Epstein to a small Hillary Clinton fundraiser in 2015.

  • Lutnick will meet with the House Oversight Committee on May 6, 2026.
  • Epstein pleaded guilty to sex crimes in 2008.
  • Lutnick and his family visited Epstein's island in 2012.

The players

Howard Lutnick

The current U.S. Secretary of Commerce who had closer ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein than were previously known.

James Comer

The Republican chair of the House Oversight Committee, which is investigating Epstein's connections to powerful figures.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier and convicted sex offender whose extensive network of powerful associates is the focus of the House Oversight Committee's investigation.

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What they’re saying

“I look forward to appearing before the committee. I have done nothing wrong and I want to set the record straight.”

— Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of Commerce

What’s next

The House Oversight Committee will question Lutnick on May 6 about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The committee's investigation aims to uncover the extent of Epstein's connections to powerful figures.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by Congress to investigate the web of powerful associates connected to the late Jeffrey Epstein and any potential wrongdoing by those individuals. Lutnick's upcoming testimony could provide new details about the nature of his relationship with Epstein.