US Commerce chief Lutnick agrees to interview on Epstein ties, House panel says

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON, March 3 (Reuters) - U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has agreed to a transcribed interview with the House Oversight Committee over his past ties to the late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, the committee said.

"Secretary Lutnick has proactively agreed to appear voluntarily before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. I commend his demonstrated commitment to transparency and appreciate his willingness to engage with the committee," said Representative James Comer, the panel's chair.

The Justice Department in January released millions of new files related to Epstein, including emails that showed Lutnick visited Epstein's private Caribbean island for lunch years after he claimed to have cut off ties.

Lutnick, appointed to his post by Republican President Donald Trump last year, now faces calls from both Democrats and Republicans to resign.

The Commerce Department did not immediately comment. Axios quoted Lutnick as saying: "I look forward to appearing before the committee. I have done nothing wrong and I want to set the record straight."

Last month, Lutnick told lawmakers he "barely had anything to do with" Epstein, the financier and convicted sex offender.

Lutnick said the two men had exchanged only about 10 emails and met three times over 14 years. Lutnick said a lunch with Epstein took place only because he was on a boat near the island. Lutnick said his family was present for the lunch.

Lutnick is one of a host of powerful men in politics, business and entertainment, including Trump himself, who are under fire for their ties with Epstein.

Lutnick also is in the hot seat over apparent contradictions between the newly released documents and his prior remarks about Epstein, who lived next door to him in New York when Lutnick was CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald.