Recent congressional scrutiny over Howard Lutnick's prior associations with Jeffrey Epstein has prompted bipartisan calls for his resignation, including from House Democrats and some Republicans, creating near-term uncertainty around his tenure. Lutnick continues to fulfill core duties, such as testifying before appropriations committees on the Commerce Department's budget and economic priorities into April 2026, with no formal removal announced by the administration. The slim trader lean toward retention through year-end stems from this lack of decisive executive action, historical patterns of cabinet stability absent major scandals, and the administration's focus on policy implementation. Further DOJ releases, committee probes, or shifts in presidential support could rapidly alter the balance before the December 31 resolution window.