US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick is under pressure to resign after revelations have surfaced about his ties to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. During a Senate committee hearing, Lutnick denied having a close relationship with Epstein, claiming that over a 14-year period he had little to no connection with him, particularly noting that their interactions were minimal during the time he lived near Epstein in New York starting in 2005.

This mounting pressure is rooted in recent documents released by the US Department of Justice, which contradict Lutnick's prior statements asserting that he severed ties with Epstein over twenty years ago. Members of Congress have raised concerns about Lutnick's credibility, leading to calls from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers for his resignation from President Donald Trump's administration. Notably, Democratic Senator Adam Schiff has called for Lutnick to resign immediately, emphasizing that Lutnick is unfit to serve as Secretary of Commerce.

Lutnick's comments and the ensuing backlash highlight the significant scrutiny faced by public officials regarding their past associations, especially those that might be perceived as compromising. The continued pressure on Lutnick illustrates the ongoing impact of Epstein's legacy on various sectors, including the political sphere, and raises questions about accountability and judgment in leadership roles.