Lutnick attended a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Committee's subcommittee on Tuesday, originally to testify about broadband funding, but was instead subjected to intense questioning by Democratic lawmakers about his long-term relationship with Epstein. Lutnick had previously stated that he had severed ties with Epstein in 2005, but newly released investigative documents from the Department of Justice show that the two continued to communicate multiple times after that. Oregon Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley listed at least eight instances of contact, saying that "this is likely not complete." Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen accused Lutnick of "seriously misleading" Congress, the public, and the victims, but also said there is currently no evidence that he was involved in any misconduct. Faced with cross-party pressure to resign, Lutnick admitted that in 2012, he had lunch for one hour with his wife, children, and nanny together with Epstein, but emphasized that they had "almost no relationship," and that the meeting "had no impropriety." The White House subsequently stated that the president fully supports Lutnick, calling him an important member of the Trump team. Regarding media reports that Trump had called the Palm Beach police in 2006 regarding Epstein, the spokesperson said they were unaware and emphasized that Trump had cut off all ties with Epstein years ago and has always been "honest and transparent."
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Original: toutiao.com/article/1856810566824970/
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