Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick testified behind closed doors before the House Oversight Committee about his past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, facing accusations from Democrats that he gave inconsistent and misleading accounts.

Lawmakers pointed to evidence from the so-called Epstein files suggesting business ties and visits to Epstein’s properties, including a Caribbean island, despite Lutnick previously claiming he cut ties years earlier.

Democrats, including Rep. Ro Khanna, called his testimony evasive and even urged his resignation, while Republicans said the questioning was politically motivated and defended his cooperation.

Lutnick said he only met Epstein a few times and denied witnessing any wrongdoing, while insisting he lacked a close personal or professional relationship with him, CBS News has reported.

Committee leaders said the investigation is ongoing and focused on determining facts, with potential legal consequences if false statements were made under oath.