Secretary Howard Lutnick is questioned by House lawmakers over his Epstein ties

NPR reports that Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick faced questioning from House lawmakers over discrepancies in his account of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Lutnick previously stated he severed ties with Epstein in 2005, but documents from the Epstein files show continued contact, including a 2012 lunch on Epstein's private island. The reporting is sourced from NPR (T2 major outlet) with a named byline (Ava Berger) and references specific documentary evidence, meeting journalistic standards for clarity and specificity. Corroboration from the New York Times, CNN, CBS News, and The Guardian confirms Lutnick underwent a closed-door congressional hearing lasting over 4 hours, with multiple sources noting Democratic lawmakers characterized his testimony as inconsistent or evasive—Congressman Ro Khanna reportedly suggested Trump would have fired him had he witnessed the testimony. Watch for official statements from the House Oversight Committee regarding findings from this investigation, any potential follow-up hearings, and whether the discrepancy prompts calls for resignation or further scrutiny of Lutnick's Senate confirmation or departmental authority.