Lutnick downplayed contact with Epstein in House Oversight interview, transcript shows

Lutnick Downplayed Contact with Epstein in House Oversight Interview, Transcript Shows

Lutnick downplayed contact with Epstein in House – Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick minimized his interactions with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, stating that their in-person meetings were “virtually nonexistent,” according to a transcript released Thursday. During a closed-door session with the House Oversight Committee last week, Lutnick claimed he had only three encounters with Epstein over the years, which he described as brief and insignificant. This testimony contradicts earlier public statements where he had suggested his relationship with Epstein ended in 2005, yet documents from the Justice Department reveal additional meetings beyond that date.

Testimony Highlights Minimal Contact with Epstein

Lutnick’s interview, conducted voluntarily, was part of an ongoing inquiry into Epstein’s connections and the handling of sexual abuse allegations by the Justice Department. The Republican-led Oversight Committee shared the transcript, which provided a detailed account of Lutnick’s interactions with Epstein. Despite his assertion of limited contact, the files show that Lutnick and Epstein maintained relationships after 2005, including a visit to Epstein’s island in 2012. This contradicts Lutnick’s earlier claim of cutting ties with the convicted sex offender, raising questions about the consistency of his testimony.

“To the best of my recollection, those were the only three occasions in which I interacted with Epstein in person. Each and every one was meaningless and inconsequential. I had no personal or professional relationship with this individual, despite the proximity of our addresses. Further, at no time during these limited interactions did I witness any conduct, let alone the type of illegal conduct of which we have since become aware,” Lutnick testified.

Justice Department Files Reveal Extended Ties

The release of Epstein’s files by the Justice Department uncovered further evidence of Lutnick’s connections to the late sex offender. These documents include calendar invites, emails, and other communications that indicate Lutnick met Epstein at least twice more after 2005. One of these meetings, in 2012, occurred on Epstein’s island, which Lutnick previously described as a significant event. This new information challenges his earlier assertion that their relationship had ended, prompting renewed scrutiny of his testimony.

“I asked him why he had a massage table in the middle of his house,” Lutnick said, recounting a conversation from 2005. “And I said, ‘How often do you have a massage?’ And he said – my best recollection is, he said, ‘Every day and the right kind of massage.’ And he said it to me, and my wife is standing next to me, and we looked at each other, and we left.”

Lutnick interpreted Epstein’s remark as a sign of his “sexual” intentions, calling it “inappropriate,” “gross,” and “off-putting.” After the brief 10- to 15-minute meeting, he and his wife discussed their decision to distance themselves from Epstein. “Immediately following that brief initial meeting, as we walked back to our home, my wife and I discussed the encounter and that, given his clear lack of boundaries, I would never establish a personal or professional relationship with him. And that is exactly what I did,” he stated during the interview.

Committee’s Bipartisan Investigation

The transcript marks one of Lutnick’s most detailed accounts of his dealings with Epstein, but it has not fully resolved the controversy surrounding his ties. The Oversight Committee, led by Republicans but operating with bipartisan efforts, has been investigating Epstein’s network and the Justice Department’s handling of his case. Lutnick’s testimony, however, has drawn criticism from Democrats, who argue that his account lacks sufficient detail to address all concerns.

“The committee adjourned without identifying any evidence to the contrary,” said a Commerce spokesperson in a statement following the interview. The official noted that Lutnick answered “nearly 400 questions” during the session, repeatedly emphasizing that three encounters do not equate to a relationship. Despite this, the new documents suggest otherwise, complicating his narrative.

Reactions and Further Questions from Democrats

Democrats on the Oversight Committee have expressed dissatisfaction with Lutnick’s testimony, suggesting he still needs to explain his relationship with Epstein more thoroughly. Two members of the committee even implied that he should resign if he cannot provide a clearer account of their interactions. “He explained repeatedly that three encounters do not constitute a relationship,” the spokesperson added, though the Democratic members remain unconvinced.

Lutnick also testified that he was uncertain about the timing of Epstein’s 2006 arrest. He admitted not knowing whether he was aware of the charges at that time, which has led to further speculation about his knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities. The Justice Department files, which include evidence of Lutnick’s continued contact with Epstein, have intensified pressure on the Commerce Secretary to clarify his involvement. While he described his meetings as trivial, critics argue that the context of Epstein’s crimes makes his participation noteworthy.

During his podcast interview in October 2025, Lutnick had previously stated that his wife and him decided to sever ties with Epstein after the 2005 encounter. Yet, the newly released documents contradict this, showing that their relationship persisted well beyond that point. This inconsistency has fueled accusations that Lutnick may have downplayed his role to avoid scrutiny. The ongoing investigation aims to determine whether his testimony was honest or if he withheld key details to protect Epstein’s reputation.

As the committee continues its probe, the focus remains on Lutnick’s credibility and the full extent of his connections to Epstein. The transcript, while shedding light on his interactions, has not silenced the debate over his involvement in the sex offender’s activities. With more evidence emerging, the pressure on Lutnick to provide a comprehensive explanation grows, and his upcoming appearances before the panel could shape the narrative of Epstein’s case for weeks to come.