Ranking Member Foushee Calls for Resignation of Secretary Lutnick for Relationship to Epstein

WASHINGTON, DC (February 14, 2026) - Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) called for the resignation of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick following the publication of new evidence detailing his relationship with convicted child sex trafficker, Jeffrey Epstein. Recently released Epstein files reference Secretary Lutnick 223 times and reveal that he interacted with Epstein and visited his island after previously claiming he had cut off contact.

"The American people deserve better than a government led by individuals with deep ties to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted child sex trafficker," said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). "Secretary Lutnick misled the public about the extent of his relationship with Epstein, which included multiple interactions after Epstein's conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. He must resign immediately. Even now, serious questions remain about whether additional meetings have yet to be disclosed. This moment emphasizes the need for full transparency regarding the Epstein files to ensure accountability and justice for survivors and the American people."

Rep. Valerie Foushee is the Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics. Last year, Rep. Foushee pressed Secretary Lutnick to reverse proposed cuts to NOAA's Office of Space Commerce and joined Senator Elizabeth Warren in calling for an investigation into Secretary Lutnick's family's financial interests related to the rapid expansion of AI data centers without adequate federal oversight. She now joins fellow House Democrats who have called for Secretary Lutnick's resignation.