Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick Caught in Epstein Lie During Congressional Hearing

On Thursday, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was confronted again about his false statements regarding his close personal and business ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The exchange unfolded during a House Appropriations Committee hearing.

Democratic Representative Madeleine Dean pressed Lutnick on his October 2025 New York Post interview, where he claimed his last encounter with Epstein occurred in 2005 during a house tour near his own residence. Lutnick described being "so grossed out" by Epstein that he swore never to return.

Dean dismantled Lutnick’s narrative, revealing:

• Lutnick and his family, including his children and nannies, visited Epstein’s private island in 2012—four years after Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor and was registered as a sex offender.
• Just days after the 2012 island visit, Lutnick and Epstein formalized a business partnership as co-investors in a digital advertising company, collaborating until 2018.

Dean directly challenged Lutnick: "Secretary Lutnick, why did you lie to the New York Post about your relationship with Jeffrey Epstein?"

Dean: Why did you lie about your relationship with Epstein? Please don't repeat your gracious offer to speak behind closed doors, not under oath.
Lutnick: The Oversight committee agreed—
Dean: I do not accept that answer, heard that one. We are our own committee. Why did you…

When Lutnick attempted to deflect with a rehearsed non-answer, his microphone was initially muted. Dean seized the moment:

"Please don’t repeat your gracious offer to speak behind closed doors, not under oath, without the ability of this committee to question you. The American people want to know. Why did you lie about your relationship with Epstein?"

Lutnick persisted with the same evasive response, prompting Dean to cut him off:

Dean: "Reclaiming my time, I do not accept that answer. We’ve heard that one.… Please answer the question. Why did you lie to the Post?"

Lutnick: "I have voluntarily agreed to spend the time and talk about it," he replied, framing his off-the-record admission as a concession.

Dean: "Let the record reflect you’re dodging the question. The cover-up continues."

Lutnick also declined to address two additional questions from Dean: his financial ties to Epstein and whether President Trump was aware of his relationship with the disgraced financier. The hearing concluded with Lutnick’s evasion drawing sharp criticism of his continued service as Commerce Secretary.