Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick voluntarily agreed to appear for a closed-door transcribed interview with the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee regarding his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

House Oversight Chairman James Comer announced the development today, commending Lutnick's "demonstrated commitment to transparency." The interview, expected in the coming weeks, stems from the committee's investigation into Epstein's and Ghislaine Maxwell's crimes. The transcript will be released publicly after review by Lutnick's attorney.

Lutnick, a longtime Manhattan neighbor of Epstein, has faced increased scrutiny following the release of Justice Department files detailing their associations. Records show Lutnick toured Epstein's townhouse in 2005, where he observed a "massage room" and resolved never to be in the same room with him again. However, further documents indicate interactions in 2011 at Epstein's home and a 2012 family lunch on Epstein's private Caribbean island, Little St. James, attended by Lutnick, his wife, children, and nannies. Lutnick stated he does not recall the purpose of the island visit.

During a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on February 10, Lutnick testified that he had "no relationship" with Epstein and "barely anything to do with him." Democrats in Congress have pressed for records of Lutnick's connections to Epstein and his associates, though no accusations of wrongdoing have been leveled against the secretary.

In a statement to Axios, Lutnick said, "I look forward to appearing before the committee. I have done nothing wrong and I want to set the record straight." Comer echoed support, stating, "I appreciate his willingness to engage with the Committee. I look forward to his testimony."

Lutnick was confirmed as the 41st U.S. Secretary of Commerce by the Senate on February 18, 2025, in a 51-45 party-line vote and wassworn in three days later. Prior to his Cabinet role, he served as CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald.

The House Oversight probe builds on broader examinations of Epstein's network following the unsealing of related documents. Neither the Commerce Department nor the White House immediately responded to requests for additional comment today.