Lutnick's Epstein ties questioned at Senate hearing

The Justice Department released files showing emails that indicate Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick attended a lunch on Jeffrey Epstein's private island after he said he had cut ties; Lutnick told senators he "barely had anything to do" with Epstein and faced calls to resign.

A Justice Department release of files tied to Jeffrey Epstein prompted fresh questions about Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's relationship with the financier. Emails in the release appear to show Lutnick attended a lunch on Epstein's private island after he had said he cut off ties. Lutnick testified at a Senate hearing and disputed extensive contact, saying he "barely had anything to do" with Epstein. Lawmakers from both parties and members of congressional oversight have publicly called for answers and some for his resignation. Key points: - The Justice Department published files that include emails suggesting a post-2005 lunch involving Lutnick on Epstein's private island. - Lutnick told senators he exchanged only a small number of emails and met Epstein a few times, and said he "barely had anything to do" with him. - Senator Chris Van Hollen questioned Lutnick at a Senate hearing, and Representative Robert Garcia and others have called for Lutnick to resign. Summary: The disclosures have raised questions about Lutnick's previous statements and prompted calls for further scrutiny of his ties to Epstein. Undetermined at this time.