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Lutnick retreats on Epstein blackmail claim as House probes his evasive testimony
Politics
Published on 14 May 2026
He now calls it speculation after earlier language raised alarms
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick faced House questioning over his interactions with Jeffrey Epstein. Under scrutiny, he backed away from earlier claims that Epstein engaged in blackmail, describing that part as speculation. Lutnick also softened details of multiple meetings, including a 2005 visit that troubled him and his wife. Democrats accused him of evasion and renewed calls for resignation.
- Lutnick revised earlier Epstein blackmail comments to mere speculation
- House lawmakers pressed him on the timeline and nature of meetings
- A 2005 visit troubled Lutnick and his wife, he said
- Democrats call testimony evasive, pushing for possible resignation
Read the full story at The Economic Times
This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on 
The Economic Times