Top Officials to Testify on Epstein: U.S. Commerce Chief, Goldman Lawyer, Apollo Co-Founder

• Lutnick previously claimed he 'barely had anything to do with' Epstein and exchanged only about 10 emails, but newly released documents show apparent contradictions with his prior statements; Epstein lived next door to Lutnick in New York
• Goldman Sachs announced Ruemmler's resignation effective June 30 after documents revealed she accepted gifts from Epstein and advised him on managing media inquiries about his crimes
• The committee is also seeking testimony from Bill Gates, former Epstein employees Lesley Groff and Sarah Kellen, and others connected to the disgraced financier; former President Bill Clinton already testified last week

Summary: Congressional Hearings on Epstein Ties Target Senior Finance and Government Officials

Key Developments:

The House Oversight Committee has called multiple high-profile figures to testify about their connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Goldman Sachs' departing Chief Legal Officer Kathryn Ruemmler, and Apollo Global Management co-founder Leon Black.

Principal Figures:

• Howard Lutnick: Appointed Commerce Secretary by President Trump, now facing bipartisan calls to resign. Claims he had minimal contact with Epstein (approximately 10 exchanges), despite recently released Justice Department documents suggesting closer ties. Lutnick and Epstein were neighbors in New York.

• Kathryn Ruemmler: Resigning as Goldman Sachs CLO effective June 30 after documents revealed she accepted gifts from Epstein and advised him on managing media inquiries about his crimes.

• Leon Black: Apollo co-founder who reportedly admitted to two affairs with Russian women that Epstein discovered; denies connections to Epstein's victims, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Additional Witnesses Requested:

Microsoft founder Bill Gates, former Clinton Foundation official Doug Band, Teneo founder, and several former Epstein employees including Lesley Groff and Sarah Kellen. Former President Bill Clinton previously testified.

Market Impact:

Goldman Sachs and Apollo Global Management face reputational scrutiny. Apollo was sued Monday for allegedly concealing Epstein business ties. The hearings represent ongoing fallout from January's Justice Department release of millions of Epstein-related files.

All named witnesses have indicated willingness to testify voluntarily, with representatives emphasizing transparency and commitment to answering lawmakers' questions.