U.S. House member Thomas Massie has recently urged Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to resign due to his connections with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Appearing on CNN’s Inside Politics, Massie, a Republican from Kentucky and co-author of legislation requiring the release of Epstein-related files, remarked that Lutnick has “a lot to answer for” and suggested that resignation would make things easier for President Trump. He argued that in the wake of Epstein’s scandals, Lutnick’s ties would have already cost him his position if he were in the U.K., citing similar political fallout in British politics.
Massie’s call comes shortly after the U.S. Department of Justice made public approximately three million investigative files related to Epstein, which were made accessible due to the transparency law Massie helped enact. These documents revealed that Lutnick discussed a potential visit to Epstein’s private island in 2012, four years after Epstein’s 13-month incarceration for sex offenses involving minors. Email exchanges between Lutnick and Epstein’s associates detailed travel arrangements and fundraising efforts, with one message indicating plans to meet in St. Thomas.
Despite the serious implications of these revelations, Lutnick’s office contested the nature of their relationship, asserting that the interactions with Epstein were limited and primarily arranged through third parties. The Commerce Department issued a statement characterizing Massie’s claims as a diversion from the administration’s achievements. Yet, bipartisan discontent continues to grow, with fellow lawmakers echoing Massie’s sentiment. California Congressman Robert Garcia called for Lutnick to either resign or be dismissed, emphasizing the need for accountability.
As the discourse surrounding Lutnick’s position intensifies, it raises questions about political affiliations and the accountability of public officials. The ongoing scrutiny reflects not only on Lutnick’s ties to Epstein but also broader issues related to transparency and the responsibility of those in power.