US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick Denies Epstein Ties Amid Resignation Calls

• US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick denied ties to Jeffrey Epstein during a tense Senate hearing, facing calls for his resignation.
• Lutnick stated he met Epstein only three times over 14 years, describing interactions as limited and incidental.
• Senator Chris Van Hollen challenged Lutnick's credibility, citing inconsistencies in his accounts and newly released Justice Department documents.
• Documents include emails referencing Lutnick, including a lunch on Epstein's private island Little Saint James, where minors later accused Epstein of sexual abuse.
• Lutnick acknowledged visiting Little Saint James in 2012 with his family, asserting he witnessed no inappropriate behavior and has "nothing to hide."