Republican Calls for Howard Lutnick's Exit from Trump’s Cabinet Amid Epstein Connections
Rep. Thomas Massie has demanded the resignation of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, spotlighting his connections to the late Jeffrey Epstein, as disclosed in newly released Department of Justice documents.
During an appearance on CNN’s Inside Politics, the Kentucky Republican, who has been instrumental in pushing for the release of Epstein-related files, was questioned about whether Lutnick should be compelled to testify before Congress.
Recent revelations indicate that Lutnick visited Epstein’s private Caribbean island with his family at least once, accepting an invitation in 2012.
“He should just resign!” Massie asserted to CNN’s Manu Raju. “There are three people in Great Britain that have resigned in politics — the ambassador from Great Britain to the United States, the Prince lost his title for less than what we’ve seen Howard Lutnick lie about. If this were Great Britain, he’d already be gone.”
Massie referenced former U.S. ambassador to the UK, Peter Mandelson, embroiled in controversy over his ties to Epstein, and Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, who lost his title due to similar scandals.
“Look, Howard Lutnick clearly went to the island, if we believe what’s in these files. He was in business with Jeffrey Epstein. And this was many years after Jeffrey Epstein was convicted — you know, lightly sentenced, but was convicted for sexual crimes,” Massie elaborated. “So he’s got a lot to answer for. But really he should make life easier on the president, frankly, and just resign.”
The Commerce Department has been approached for comment regarding these allegations.
Documents suggest Lutnick's involvement with Epstein contradicts previous assertions that he severed ties with the financier long ago.
Emails reveal that Lutnick and his wife accepted an invitation to Epstein’s Little St. James island in December 2012, planning to arrive by yacht with their children.
Lutnick, previously chairman of Newmark, a significant commercial real estate firm, also socialized with Epstein in 2011 and discussed a construction project near their residences.
In response to inquiries, the Commerce Department stated that Lutnick had “limited interactions with Mr. Epstein in the presence of his wife and has never been accused of wrongdoing.”
According to reports, Lutnick's name surfaced in over 250 documents related to Epstein.
A representative from the Commerce Department clarified that Lutnick and his wife first met Epstein in 2005 and had “very limited interactions with him” thereafter.
