Trump commerce secretary – who lived next door to Epstein in New York – urged to testify about extent of relationship
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are taking a closer look at US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick’s connection to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after the justice department’s website restored a photo showing him with the disgraced financier on his private island.
In the picture, Epstein appears front and center – and is surrounded by three other men. Lutnick, dressed in a blue shirt and white shorts, stands a few feet behind Epstein.
It has not been confirmed when the photo was taken. Lutnick has denied wrongdoing, saying he has nothing to hide about his links to Epstein.
A letter addressed to Lutnick from Democratic US senators Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and Jeff Merkley of Oregon calls on him to testify before Congress about his relationship with Epstein. They are requesting that Lutnick produce all records of meetings, phone calls, and correspondence with Epstein or his associates, as well as a complete timeline of every interaction he has had with Epstein, including after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting an underage girl for prostitution.
