Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has acknowledged meeting with Jeffrey Epstein twice after the financier's 2008 conviction, contradicting his previous claims of cutting ties in 2005. Under questioning from Senate Democrats, Lutnick admitted to meetings in 2011 and 2012, including lunch on Epstein's private island.

Lutnick had previously told a podcast last year that he decided to never be in the room with Epstein again after a 2005 tour of Epstein's home that disturbed him and his wife. The admission came after case files were released showing emails and meetings between the two men. Lutnick described their contact as a handful of emails and two meetings years apart, maintaining he had no real relationship with the disgraced financier.

Lawmakers from both parties are calling for further investigation into Lutnick's ties to Epstein. Senate Republicans including Roger Wicker and Thom Tillis expressed concern about the meetings, while House members Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna have called for Lutnick's resignation. The commerce secretary told senators he would provide requested documentation and claimed he has nothing to hide, but faces growing scrutiny as the highest-profile U.S. official linked to Epstein revelations.