Lutnick Donated $5 Million to House Republicans Before Epstein Testimony

[Uncle Joe]

Howard Lutnick, the commerce secretary, made the donation after agreeing to an interview with lawmakers about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

(snip)

Mr. Lutnick gave the money to the Congressional Leadership Fund, the main super PAC behind House Republicans and Speaker Mike Johnson, according to a new filing made public on Thursday. Mr. Lutnick has recently been a major Republican donor, but this was his first contribution since being named commerce secretary. It ties his largest-ever federal donation, $5 million he gave to Mr. Trump’s super PAC in 2024.

(snip)

Federal employees are permitted to make donations, but it is rare to see such a high-ranking official donate such a significant amount. Mr. Lutnick is the first Trump cabinet official to make a seven-figure disclosed federal donation after being confirmed to a post, according to a review of federal election filings.

The closest analogue in Mr. Trump’s administration was the role played by Elon Musk during his stint as a part-time government employee, during which he continued to donate millions to conservative causes.

(snip)

The Congressional Leadership Fund is charged with helping to re-elect House Republican incumbents, like those on the House Oversight Committee, and winning seats in battleground districts. Another major donor to the effort last month was Warren Stephens, Mr. Trump’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, who gave $250,000 to the super PAC.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/22/us/politics/howard-lutnick-donation-house-republicans.html

[LymphocyteLover]

1. that seems pretty fucking corrupt... so totally on brand