Democrats probe Lutnick's connection to Epstein

• Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) in a letter to Lutnick on Friday, obtained first by Axios, asked that the Cabinet official turn over all records of his connection to Epstein and Epstein allies.
• Lutnick has defended his interactions with Epstein, saying at a hearing on Capitol Hill earlier this month that he "barely had anything to do" with the convicted sex offender.
• Lutnick is already facing bipartisan calls on Capitol Hill to resign from his position.

Zoom in: Lutnick said in a podcast interview last year that he cut ties with Epstein in 2005. That story did not hold up under questioning from Van Hollen earlier this month.

• Van Hollen at a hearing this month pressed Lutnick about recently released Justice Department documents that indicate Lutnick and members of his family had lunch with Epstein on Epstein's Caribbean island in 2012.
• Lutnick acknowledged visiting the convicted felon on his private island in 2012 after his conviction, but the Commerce secretary maintained he "did not have any relationship" with Epstein.
• A photo released last month of Lutnick with Epstein on his island was removed from the Justice Department's website, before being restored on Thursday night.

Between the lines: The lawmakers are demanding a full accounting of all Lutnick's meetings, communications and interactions with Epstein.

• That includes a detailed timeline, any evidence supporting a past claim that Epstein was the "greatest blackmailer ever," and answers to questions about whether Epstein sought or obtained information about Lutnick's nannies or other employees.
• They're also asking for the confidential submission of which nanny accompanied Lutnick to Epstein's island and all requested materials by March 13, for the public record.