Representative Thomas Massie is demanding that Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick immediately step down from his post following new documents linking Lutnick to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as reported by The Hill. Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, didn’t mince words when discussing the controversy surrounding President Trump’s cabinet member.
The core issue here is a major discrepancy in timelines. Lutnick previously claimed he and his wife decided to completely sever ties with Epstein around 2005. That’s what he stated publicly in a podcast episode released back in October. Lutnick recounted having an encounter with Epstein that year that left him not wanting to be in the same room as the man for the rest of his life.
Well, the newly released files tell a very different story, and it’s not a good look for the Commerce Secretary. Documents released by the Justice Department suggest Lutnick continued associating with Epstein long after that supposed 2005 break. We’re talking about correspondence that occurred even after Epstein was convicted of sex crimes in 2008. The newly released material includes emails suggesting Lutnick maintained contact well into the next decade.
It seems Lutnick’s troubles are just beginning, and the pressure for him to step down isn’t going away anytime soon
One particularly damning email from November 2012 shows a person identified as Epstein’s assistant reaching out to Lutnick, saying the convicted sex offender was actively looking to schedule a meeting with him. That completely blows up the 2005 “we cut ties” narrative. The implication that Lutnick continued engaging with Epstein years after his conviction is incredibly damaging to his political standing and personal credibility.
Massie was asked directly whether Lutnick should appear before Congress and testify about these connections. His response was absolutely blunt. “No, he should just resign,” Massie stated. He brought up precedents set overseas, noting that British politicians have faced serious consequences for less egregious behavior and alleged deception. Massie said, “The prince lost his title for less than what we’ve seen Howard Lutnick lie about.”
Massie made it clear he believes the documents show a much deeper connection than Lutnick has admitted publicly. He added that the files suggest Lutnick “clearly went to the island if we believe what’s in these files.” Massie pointed out that Lutnick was allegedly still in business with Jeffrey Epstein many years after Epstein was convicted and received that “lightly sentenced” plea deal for sexual crimes.
Massie, who has recently been recognized for bucking his own party on certain issues, has been leading a serious, long-term push for transparency. For the past several months, he, alongside Representative Ro Khanna, has actively sought the full release of all files linked to Epstein. They are serious about getting all the facts out into the open, and the revelation that a high-ranking cabinet member’s timeline doesn’t match the documents is only going to fuel their efforts further.
Published: Feb 9, 2026 06:00 am