Lutnick Volunteers to Testify on Epstein Ties as $35 Million Settlement Wins Court Approval

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick agreed to testify before the House Oversight Committee on his connection to Jeffrey Epstein — volunteering for the deposition and maintaining he did 'nothing wrong' — while separately, a federal judge granted preliminary approval to a $35 million settlement between Epstein's estate and trafficking accusers. The twin developments mark the latest chapter in the Epstein investigation, which continues to expose the network of powerful men who associated with the convicted sex trafficker. Lutnick's willingness to testify voluntarily is notable given the political risks, and arrives just days after former President Bill Clinton's own deposition before the committee — during which Clinton offered an unexpected defense of President Trump. The $35 million settlement, while significant, is a fraction of Epstein's estimated estate and will be divided among numerous accusers.