US commerce secretary refuses to contact Epstein amid bipartisan calls to step down: ‘Meeted 3 times in 14 years’

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Tuesday strongly denied having any material ties to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein During testimony before a Senate committee, lawmakers from both parties stepped up calls for his resignation following the release of new Justice Department documents.Appearing before a Senate Appropriations panel, Lutnick said he had met Epstein only three times in 14 years and denied any suggestion of a personal or professional connection. “I had no relationship with Epstein,” Lutnick told lawmakers, adding, “For 14 years, I had no relationship with him. I had almost no relationship with that man.”The dispute stems from newly released records from the Justice Department related to the Epstein case, which include emails and documents that show ties between Lutnick and Epstein continued even after Epstein was convicted of sex crimes in 2008. Some of the records reveal social and business interactions in the 2010s, prompting bipartisan scrutiny and accusations that Lutnick’s early public statements were incomplete.The materials include emails discussing potential meetings, references to a 2012 visit to Epstein’s private island and signs of shared business interests, including a reported joint investment in a technology company, documents show. Lutnick acknowledged having lunch with Epstein on a boat during a family vacation but insisted the interaction was limited. “I did absolutely nothing wrong in any possible way related to Epstein,” he said.The revelations sparked bipartisan calls for accountability. Republican Congressman Thomas Massie said, “He should resign,” while Democratic Senator Adam Schiff wrote on social media, “Secretary Lutnick lied to the country about his relationship with Epstein… He is unqualified to serve as our Commerce Secretary. He should resign. ” Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia also called on Lutnick to step down or face further questioning.Despite mounting pressure, the White House remains supportive of Lutnick. A spokesman said the administration remained focused on its policy agenda, while a Commerce Department spokesman reiterated that Lutnick’s interactions with Epstein were limited and did not involve any wrongdoing.Leaders of the House Oversight Committee said further investigations, including possible subpoenas, are likely as more Epstein-related documents are expected to be released under the Epstein Documents Transparency Act.