WASHINGTON — Under questioning during a Senate hearing, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that he met with Jeffrey Epstein twice after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. This admission contradicts Lutnick’s previous assertions that he had ended all connections with Epstein by 2005. Facing intense scrutiny from lawmakers, Lutnick described his interactions as limited, consisting of just a few emails and two meetings spaced several years apart.

Despite maintaining that he didn’t have a significant relationship with Epstein, the revelation has sparked bipartisan calls for his resignation. Lawmakers are rallying for accountability and expressing outrage following the release of Epstein case files that contradict Lutnick's earlier claims made in various public forums.

During the hearing, Lutnick acknowledged that he dined with Epstein on his private island in 2012 and had another interaction in 2011 at Epstein’s residence. As a member of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet, Lutnick stands as the highest-ranking official facing bipartisan pressure for accountability concerning the Epstein scandal.

Senator Chris Van Hollen confronted Lutnick regarding perceived inconsistencies in his statements, emphasizing the importance of trust in government leadership. Meanwhile, Representative Thomas Massie and other lawmakers are advocating for his resignation, emphasizing that associations with Epstein, a convicted sex offender, compromise Lutnick's integrity as a public official.

While countries including the United Kingdom have acted decisively, stripping individuals of privileges and invoking resignations related to the Epstein case, similar actions have yet to take place against U.S. officials. The political fallout continues to unfold as Congress grapples with issues of transparency and integrity regarding Epstein's extensive network.