Howard Lutnick to Testify Before Congress Over Epstein Ties
Howard Lutnick to Testify Before Congress Over Epstein Ties
Howard Lutnick, former Cantor Fitzgerald chair, faces questions from the House Oversight Committee about past ties to Jeffrey Epstein, including a 2012 lunch on Epstein’s private island and a 2005 visit to his New York h
Howard Lutnick will testify before the House Oversight Committee about his past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein, a figure at the center of a long-running, high-profile investigation. Lutnick is the former chairman of Cantor Fitzgerald, and he is expected to answer questions in a closed-door session as lawmakers review Epstein’s networks and possible ties to powerful figures.
Lutnick has said that he never engaged in anything improper and that his relationship with Epstein was limited to casual interactions and acquaintance. He has described a 2005 visit to Epstein’s Upper East Side brownstone, insisting that he did not consent to or participate in anything inappropriate. He has also stated that he and his family were not in a position to engage in anything untoward during visits or conversations with Epstein.
In a separate account, Lutnick said that in December 2012 he and his family, including his children and wife, had lunch with Epstein on Little St James, Epstein’s private Caribbean island. He framed the encounter as a family vacation and emphasized that there was nothing untoward about the gathering. The Epstein files released by the Department of Justice late last year showed that Lutnick and Epstein stayed in contact for years, with communications continuing at least through 2018. Inclusion in those files is not an indication of wrongdoing, Lutnick noted.
The testimony comes as the House Oversight Committee continues a wide-ranging probe into Epstein’s finances and connections. Lawmakers are pursuing a fuller picture of Epstein’s network and the extent of any relationships with individuals in business or government. Lutnick’s appearance is part of a broader effort to scrutinize how close associates interacted with Epstein and whether any misconduct occurred or was covered up.
Lutnick has maintained that he acted appropriately and has urged the committee to focus on facts and documented conduct, rather than unverified speculation. The session is part of ongoing congressional scrutiny over Epstein’s circle and the governance implications for institutions tied to those associations.
