Commerce Chief Lutnick Deflects Epstein Questions At Senate Budget Hearing
Commerce Chief Howard Lutnick deflected questions about Jeffrey Epstein during a Senate budget hearing Tuesday in Washington as senators pressed for answers. Lawmakers raised the topic amid the department's annual budget review, but Lutnick did not provide a substantive response on the record. The brief exchange was not central to the hearing's fiscal questions, and senators proceeded to discuss program funding and priorities.
The incident drew attention because Epstein-related inquiries have remained politically sensitive and have prompted oversight calls across multiple institutions. Coverage so far has focused on the hearing transcript and the lack of clarity from Lutnick, leaving calls for follow-up questioning or written responses from the Commerce Department.
đ Key Facts
- Howard Lutnick testified before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee on April 22, 2026 about President Trump's 2027 budget request.
- Sen. Chris Van Hollen confronted Lutnick over his failure to respond to a February 27 letter seeking records of his interactions with Jeffrey Epstein.
- Lutnick declined to answer Epstein questions at the budget hearing and said he will address "any and all" such questions at a House Oversight interview within two weeks.
- Justice Department Epstein files show Lutnick maintained ties with Epstein after 2005 and include emails suggesting Epstein wanted to meet a Lutnick family nanny.
- Lutnick has admitted visiting Epstein's private island in 2012 with his wife, children and nannies and denies any wrongdoing.
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