House Democrats Accuse Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick of Evading Epstein Questions in Closed-Door Interview

House Democrats accused Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick of evading questions about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein during a closed-door interview on Wednesday, with the panel’s investigation continuing after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl. The Associated Press said Lutnick has previously given contradictory statements about his relationship with Epstein but “says he has done nothing wrong,” and it reported that the interview lasted just over four hours. The AP also said the interview was not being recorded on video, with lawmakers planning to release it via transcript. In a separate account, NOTUS said Lutnick denied any wrongdoing or knowledge of Epstein’s crimes in the closed-door interview, while Democrats argued the Cabinet secretary is “covering up” for the Trump administration.

“Live updates: Democrats accuse Commerce Secretary Lutnick of evading questions on ties to Epstein Follow the latest news on President Donald Trump and his administration | May 6, 2026 Here’s what we’re following: - House Democrats accused Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick of lying and being evasive during closed-door interview Wednesday over his contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in the years after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl”

AP News

During the questioning, Politico reported that Rep. Suhas Subramanyam said, “He was evasive, nervous — he was dishonest,” and it said Lutnick acknowledged visiting Epstein’s island seven years after he claimed to have severed his relationship. Politico also quoted Rep. James Walkinshaw saying, “They deserve to see the sweat on the secretary’s brow as he struggles to answer basic questions about his lies to the American people.” The Guardian reported that after the hearing concluded, Ro Khanna said, “Now we know why that interview was not videotaped,” and it added that Suhas Subramanyam called Lutnick “evasive, nervous and dishonest.” The Guardian further said Republican chair James Comer disputed the Democrats’ account and said Lutnick felt “very transparent” and “came here voluntarily,” while the committee planned to release a transcript later.

The House Oversight Committee’s next steps are framed around additional transcribed interviews, with NOTUS saying other witnesses, including former Attorney General Pam Bondi, are expected to speak with the committee in the coming months under the same stipulations. NOTUS also said a lineup of high-profile Epstein associates, investigators and witnesses are scheduled to sit for transcribed interviews over the next two months, including Bondi, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and longtime Epstein executive assistant Lesley Groff. The Guardian reported that Karoline Leavitt told reporters in February that Lutnick “remains a very important member” of the president’s team and that the president “fully supports” Lutnick. In parallel, the AP reported that Democrats accused Lutnick of lying and being evasive during the interview, while Lutnick’s supporters and the committee chair argued the transcript—not video—would be released for public review.

“Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was grilled by congressional investigators Wednesday about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein following revelations that his contact with the late convicted sex offender extended years beyond what he initially claimed”

CNN