Photo of Lutnick With Epstein Prompts Calls for Testimony
A photo showing Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick with Jeffrey Epstein was briefly removed from the Justice Department site and was archived on January 31, 2026.
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Overview
A photograph showing Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick walking with Jeffrey Epstein on Little St. James was briefly removed from the Justice Department's online Epstein file repository and has since been restored, officials said.
A Wayback Machine capture dated January 31, 2026 retained the image, and the Justice Department said the file was part of a batch flagged for nudity and is being reuploaded with redactions.
Members of Congress including Republican Nancy Mace and Democrat Ro Khanna said Lutnick should testify, and Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said the panel could subpoena him.
Files show Lutnick attended a 2011 event at Epstein's home, had lunch on the island in 2012 with his wife, four children and nannies, and received a $50,000 donation from Epstein in 2017.
Ranking Democrat Robert Garcia said there was bipartisan support to bring Lutnick in for questioning and said he "should resign or should be removed from office," indicating further committee action may follow.
Analysis
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FAQ
Howard Lutnick and Jeffrey Epstein were neighbors in New York City in the 1990s. Lutnick claimed in 2005 to have cut ties after an unsettling visit, but files show continued interactions post-2008 conviction, including a 2012 island visit with family and business dealings.
The photo, showing Lutnick with Epstein on Little St. James, was briefly removed as part of a batch flagged for nudity and is being reuploaded with redactions, according to officials. A Wayback Machine capture from January 31, 2026, preserved it.
Files document Lutnick attending a 2011 event at Epstein's home, a 2012 lunch on Little St. James with his wife, children, and nannies, a $50,000 donation from Epstein in 2017, and joint investment in AdFin Solutions in 2012.
Congress members like Republicans Nancy Mace and James Comer, and Democrats Ro Khanna and Robert Garcia, called for Lutnick to testify. Comer mentioned possible subpoena, and Garcia suggested resignation or removal. Senators Van Hollen and Merkley requested records and a timeline.
Yes, in 2012 they signed a contract to invest in AdFin Solutions Inc., with Lutnick representing a Cantor Fitzgerald entity and Epstein his company. They also emailed in 2018 about opposing a museum expansion.
