Whistleblower Alleges US Commerce Secretary Lutnick Misled Congress on Epstein Ties
A British whistleblower has come forward with evidence suggesting that Howard Lutnick, the current United States Secretary of Commerce, may have misrepresented his business relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The claims were first reported by the BBC.
Simon Andriesz, a former managing director at a Wall Street firm, told the BBC that he discovered a 2018 email exchange between Lutnick and Epstein discussing a startup both were involved in. Andriesz said he found the emails among millions of documents released as part of the Epstein case.
Andriesz shared his findings with members of the US House Oversight Committee before Lutnick testified before the panel in May 2025. During that hearing, Lutnick stated that he only learned earlier this year that Epstein had been an investor in the firm. The Commerce Department, speaking on Lutnick's behalf, told the BBC there was no evidence of wrongdoing by the secretary.
Andriesz also said the files showed that in 2013, one of Lutnick's firms planned to enter a business arrangement with Prince Andrew, a former UK trade envoy and associate of Epstein. The plan reportedly involved a £1 million loan to Prince Andrew in exchange for his commercial connections.
Jeffrey Epstein was a financier who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide. For years, Epstein cultivated relationships with prominent figures in politics, business, and royalty, and these ties have continued to draw scrutiny.
Howard Lutnick was nominated as Commerce Secretary by President Donald Trump and confirmed by the Senate in 2025. He previously served as chairman and CEO of the financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald, from which he stepped down upon taking office.
The allegations raise questions about transparency and potential conflicts of interest at the highest levels of the US government. The House Oversight Committee has not commented on whether it will investigate further based on the whistleblower's claims.
