Trump defends Secretary Howard Lutnick, pressured to resign after exposing ties to Epstein, says White House.

Files released by the Department of Justice indicate a visit by Lutnick, then CEO of a financial company, to Epstein’s island in 2012, after the billionaire had already been convicted for the first time for sexually abusing minors. Trump’s secretary had said that he had had no further contact with Epstein after 2005.

Lutnick, appointed to the position by Republican President Donald Trump last year, now faces calls for his resignation from both Democrats and Republicans.

During the Senate hearing, Lutnick defended himself, stating to lawmakers that they had exchanged only about 10 emails and met three times over 14 years. Lutnick said the lunch with Epstein only happened because he was on a boat near the island. Lutnick stated that his family was present at the lunch.