Emergence of Epstein island photo leads to new calls for Lutnick to testify
Emergence of Epstein Island Photo Sparks New Demands for Lutnick to Appear Before Congress
A newly surfaced image of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick with Jeffrey Epstein on the late sex offender’s private island has ignited renewed scrutiny from lawmakers. The photo, which was briefly taken down from the Justice Department’s website, was part of a collection of Epstein-related documents uploaded in late January under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. A version of the page, archived by the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine on January 31, 2026, retained the image despite the temporary removal.
The Justice Department spokesperson clarified that the image was part of a batch flagged for nudity. Thousands of files were pulled for review and are being reuploaded with necessary edits. “No files are being deleted,” the spokesperson stated, explaining the process. Lutnick has yet to comment on the incident, and neither the Commerce Department nor his office responded to CNN’s repeated inquiries.
Political Pressure Mounts After Image’s Removal
Following the photograph’s brief disappearance, several members of Congress have called for transparency. Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican on the House Oversight Committee, tweeted, “Howard Lutnick should take questions from the Oversight committee.” President Donald Trump added fuel to the fire, asserting that Lutnick would soon testify about his ties to Epstein. “He’s a very innocent guy, he’s doing a good job,” Trump told CNN’s Kristen Holmes.
“Howard would go in and say whatever he has to say,” Trump said.
Lutnick’s past testimony before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee has already drawn questions. During that session, he admitted to visiting Epstein’s private Caribbean island, Little Saint James, in 2012. However, communications recently released by the Justice Department challenge his earlier claim that he severed ties with Epstein in 2005. The documents suggest ongoing connections, prompting further inquiries from lawmakers.
Lawmakers Demand Explanations for Image’s Unexplained Removal
Rep. Thomas Massie, a co-author of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, emphasized the need for clarity. “I’m sure there’s a good reason for this. DOJ needs to tell Congress who pulled this file down so we can ask them,” he said. Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu accused the department of being involved in a “stupidest cover up in history,” while Rep. James Walkinshaw labeled Lutnick’s statements as “lying to the country.”
“Howard has been lying to the American people,” Walkinshaw stated.
Rep. Robert Garcia, the ranking Democrat on the Oversight Committee, went further, urging Lutnick to resign or be removed from office. “Quite frankly, he should resign or should be removed from office,” Garcia said during a CNN appearance. The panel’s chairman, Rep. James Comer, had previously hinted at potential questioning of Lutnick, though it wasn’t clear if he had seen the image at the time.
Epstein Ties Under Scrutiny Across Political Lines
Lutnick’s association with Epstein has drawn concern not only from Congress but also from Wall Street. While the White House has remained supportive, lawmakers from both parties are pressing for answers. During his earlier testimony, Lutnick described a casual lunch with Epstein on the island, but he admitted not remembering the exact reason for the visit. “We had lunch on the island, that is true, for an hour,” he said, leaving the motive unexplained.
“I don’t recall why we did it,” Lutnick added.
Despite denying deeper relationships with Epstein, the latest revelations have intensified calls for him to testify. The image’s removal and subsequent restoration have become a focal point in the ongoing debate over the transparency of Epstein-related records and the potential for hidden connections within the administration.
