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Lutnick's testimony about Epstein draws praise from GOP chair and derision from Democrats

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., speaks to reporters before questioning Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick as part of the panel's investigation of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
J. Scott Applewhite/AP
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AP
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., speaks to reporters before questioning Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick as part of the panel's investigation of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Members of Congress — including Kentucky Rep. James Comer — have come away from a private House committee interview with vastly different assessments of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s answers about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Comer heads up the oversight committee and described Lutnick as "forthcoming" in describing limited interactions with Epstein. Prior to the closed-door meeting, Comer said the names being called to speak with the committee should encourage Americans who are skeptical investigations will yield any results.

"I've been on the oversight committee ten years and there's never been a chairman bring in cabinet secretaries of their own party," the Kentucky congressman said. "We have Lutnick coming in today. We have (former Attorney General) Pam Bondi in a couple weeks, so I think people can see that this is a bipartisan investigation. We're really sincerely trying to get the truth."

Democrats, however, accused Lutnick of lying and evading their questions during the interview Wednesday. Several have called for Lutnick to resign.

Lutnick's position has been that he’s done nothing wrong and he welcomed the chance to speak to lawmakers in private. The interview wasn't recorded on video, as the committee has done with depositions for others, including Bill and Hillary Clinton.