Comer, asked if Lutnick may be called to testify: it's possible

Comer, asked if Lutnick may be called to testify: it's possible

Comer Indicates Possible Testimony from Lutnick Amid Epstein Ties Scrutiny

U.S. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) has stated it is "possible" Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick may be called to testify regarding his connections to Jeffrey Epstein, as bipartisan pressure mounts for Lutnick to resign over conflicting public statements about his relationship with the late convicted sex offender. Lutnick previously admitted to taking a family vacation to Epstein's private Caribbean island in 2009 but has since provided inconsistent accounts of when their relationship ended.

Congressional Democrats and Republican allies have criticized Lutnick for what they describe as a lack of transparency. A bipartisan group of lawmakers has formally called for his resignation, citing ethical concerns given his role overseeing federal trade policy. Meanwhile, the House committee has issued a subpoena to Lutnick related to his Epstein ties, though Comer has not yet confirmed whether the secretary will be compelled to appear.

The scrutiny of Lutnick comes amid broader congressional efforts to examine Epstein's extensive network of political and financial ties. Former President Bill Clinton recently testified about his own relationship with Epstein under oath, marking the first time a former president has faced such questioning since Harry Truman in 1945. Clinton's testimony focused on his use of Epstein's private jet and interactions with the financier, while independent counsel Kenneth Starr—Clinton's 1990s-era legal adversary— maintained a correspondence with Epstein that continued until 2018.

Lutnick's case has drawn heightened attention due to his position in the Trump administration and prior leadership of a lobbying group closely aligned with former President Donald Trump. Critics argue his Epstein ties conflict with his responsibilities as a public official. Comer's committee has emphasized a focus on "full transparency" in its investigations, though the path forward for Lutnick remains unresolved.

As the committee continues its probe, the outcome could influence broader debates over ethical standards for public officials and the extent of Epstein's historical influence on political and financial circles.