Republican Lawmaker Demands Howard Lutnick Resign from Trump's Cabinet Over Epstein Ties
Republican Representative Thomas Massie has issued a forceful demand for Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to resign from his position in President Trump's cabinet, following explosive revelations about Lutnick's connections to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The call comes as the latest batch of documents released by the Department of Justice sheds new light on the extent of their association.
Massie's Blunt Call for Resignation on National Television
Appearing on CNN's Inside Politics on Sunday, Massie, the Kentucky representative who has been instrumental in pushing for the release of the Epstein files, did not mince words when asked whether Lutnick should testify before Congress. "He should just resign!" Massie declared to CNN's Manu Raju. The lawmaker drew stark comparisons to British political figures, noting that "the ambassador from Great Britain to the United States, the Prince lost his title for less than what we've seen Howard Lutnick lie about."
Massie specifically referenced former U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom Peter Mandelson, who is currently embroiled in controversy over his own Epstein links, and Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, who was stripped of his royal title by King Charles III. "If this were Great Britain, he'd already be gone," Massie asserted, emphasizing the perceived severity of Lutnick's actions.
Contradictory Evidence in Newly Released Epstein Files
The newly disclosed documents directly contradict previous claims that Lutnick severed ties with Epstein long ago. According to the files, Lutnick visited Epstein's private Caribbean island, Little St. James in the U.S. Virgin Islands, with his family on at least one occasion. Emails reveal that Lutnick and his wife accepted an invitation to the island in December 2012, planning to arrive by yacht with their children.
Furthermore, the documents indicate that Lutnick, the former chairman of major commercial real estate firm Newmark, had drinks with Epstein in 2011 and corresponded with him about construction projects near their homes. Lutnick's name appears in more than 250 documents within the Epstein files, according to reports from The New York Times, highlighting the depth of their documented interactions.
Commerce Department's Response and Mounting Pressure
In response to the allegations, the Commerce Department issued a statement defending Lutnick, claiming he had "limited interactions with Mr. Epstein in the presence of his wife and has never been accused of wrongdoing." A department representative further elaborated to The New York Times that Lutnick and his wife first met Epstein in 2005 and maintained "very limited interactions with him" in subsequent years.
However, Massie countered this defense during his television appearance, stating, "Look, Howard Lutnick clearly went to the island, if we believe what's in these files. He was in business with Jeffrey Epstein. And this was many years after Jeffrey Epstein was convicted — you know, lightly sentenced, but was convicted for sexual crimes." Massie argued that Lutnick has "a lot to answer for" and should "make life easier on the president, frankly, and just resign."
The Independent has reached out to the Commerce Department for additional comment, but as of now, the pressure continues to mount on Lutnick amidst these damaging revelations. The situation underscores the ongoing political and legal ramifications of the Epstein case, which continues to ensnare high-profile figures years after Epstein's death.
