Thomas Massie, Republican Representative from Kentucky, called for the resignation of Howard Lutnick, Commerce Secretary, over ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Massie co-authored the law that forced the release of Epstein files. The documents revealed ongoing contacts between Lutnick and Epstein after 2005.
Contradictory Claims
Lutnick stated in a 2025 podcast that he cut ties with Epstein in 2005 after an uncomfortable encounter at Epstein’s home. He said, “I will never be in the room with that disgusting person ever again.”
However the files showed Lutnick arranged meetings and calls with Epstein post 2005, including after Epstein’s 2008 guilty plea for procuring a minor for prostitution.
Additionally documents indicated Lutnick visited Epstein’s private island in 2012 and maintained business dealings until 2014.
Massie’s Statements
Massie appeared on CNN’s “Inside Politics” on February 8, 2026. He stated, “No, he should just resign. I mean, there are three people in Great Britain that have resigned in politics.” Massie added, “He’s got a lot to answer for, but really, he should make life easier on the president, frankly, and just resign.”
Massie accused Lutnick of lying about the timeline of his Epstein associations. He noted, “According to legal documents and emails, Epstein and Lutnick did business together and Lutnick vacationed on Epstein’s island, long after Lutnick claims they parted ways and long after Epstein was a known sex offender.”
Bipartisan Criticism
Ted Lieu, Democratic Representative from California, echoed the call. Lieu stated, “Secretary Lutnick must resign.” Meanwhile Massie became the first Republican to demand Lutnick’s resignation.
The Epstein files, released by the Department of Justice, sparked global scrutiny. Lutnick did not immediately respond to the allegations.
