Ranking Member Robert Garcia Calls on Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to Testify on Major Epstein Revelations

Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Robert Garcia, Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, sent a letter to Howard Lutnick, Secretary of the Department of Commerce, urging Secretary Lutnick to sit before the Oversight Committee to testify about his knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein and his crimes.

 “Secretary Lutnick explicitly said that Epstein was the ‘greatest blackmailer ever,’ directly contradicting the Trump Administration’s public statements. Officials from Trump’s own Cabinet appear to be directly contradicting each other, which only heightens the urgency of our investigation into the full scope of Epstein’s crimes and who may have been involved or protected.

 Secretary Lutnick, Epstein’s former neighbor, revealed in a recent interview that powerful figures may have been filmed at Epstein’s residence. He confirmed that Epstein’s behavior was obvious to members of his social circle. That raises serious concerns about whether others in Epstein’s orbit may have been involved in, or aware of, his horrific abuse, beyond what has already been publicly disclosed.

 No matter how powerful, wealthy, or well-connected those complicit in Epstein’s crimes may be, they must be held accountable. The information Secretary Lutnick possesses could be critical to our investigation, and we urge him to fully cooperate in helping deliver justice for survivors and bring the truth to the American people,” said Ranking Member Robert Garcia.

 “I write regarding your recent comments concerning Jeffrey Epstein and your assertion that he was the “greatest blackmailer ever.” Your statement, based on your personal knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein, contradicted statements from other senior administration officials, including sworn testimony by FBI Director Kash Patel. The Committee is currently investigating the late Jeffrey Epstein’s co-conspirators, the horrific crimes they committed with Mr. Epstein, and the mishandling of the matter by government entities that continues to this very day. In the interest of justice for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein and his enablers, and given your firsthand interactions with and knowledge of Mr. Epstein, we demand that you cooperate with the Committee’s investigation by sitting for a transcribed interview with Committee staff.” wrote Ranking Member Robert Garcia in the letter.

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