Newly released documents from the Department of Justice have revealed that Howard Lutnick, who served as the US secretary of commerce under former President Donald Trump, arranged to visit Jeffrey Epstein's private island in 2012. The files, made public on Friday, detail email exchanges that suggest Lutnick planned a dinner meeting with Epstein during a holiday trip to the Caribbean.
Email Exchanges Detail Planned Visit
According to the documents, on 20 November 2012, Epstein's longtime assistant emailed Lutnick, indicating that Epstein understood Lutnick would be in St Thomas over the holidays and wanted to provide contact numbers for a possible get-together. In response, on 19 December 2012, Lutnick sent an email addressed to "Jeff," outlining his travel plans with family and friends. He mentioned landing in St Thomas early Saturday afternoon and heading to St Bart's or Anguilla by Monday, asking Epstein for his exact location and proposing Sunday evening for dinner.
A redacted individual replied with details from Epstein, suggesting lunch on Saturday or Sunday at Little St James, a location behind Christmas Cove. The documents further imply that a meeting occurred, as on 24 December 2012, Epstein emailed his assistant with a message to forward to Lutnick, stating "nice seeing you, read #2 dot three." The assistant complied, forwarding the message to Lutnick.
Lutnick's Response and Further Revelations
When contacted by the New York Times on Friday, Lutnick declined to comment on the island visit, citing that he had not seen the latest batch of Epstein documents. He stated, "I spent zero time with him," before ending the call. However, the newly released files also include evidence suggesting Lutnick invited Epstein to a fundraiser for Hillary Clinton in 2015.
An email dated 3 November 2015 shows Epstein's assistant forwarding an invitation from Lutnick, then CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, to a "very intimate fundraising event" for Clinton on 11 November. It remains unclear whether Epstein attended this event. At the time, the New York Post reported on a fundraiser held at Lutnick's home, noting it was next door to Epstein's house, though it is not confirmed if this was the same gathering.
Past Interactions and Neighbourhood Ties
In a previous podcast interview with the New York Post's Miranda Devine, Lutnick acknowledged that Epstein was his neighbour and recounted a disturbing incident from 2005. He described how Epstein invited him and his wife into his home, showing them a room with a massage table and candles. Lutnick recalled Epstein saying he had massages every day and adding, "And the right kind of massage," in a manner that made Lutnick and his wife uncomfortable.
Lutnick explained that they left immediately and decided never to be in the same room with Epstein again, citing him as "disgusting" and "gross." He emphasised that he avoided any social, business, or philanthropic interactions with Epstein thereafter.
Official Responses and Ongoing Scrutiny
The commerce department has not yet responded to a request for comment from the Guardian regarding the 2015 email invitation. Similarly, Cantor Fitzgerald declined to comment on the fundraiser details when approached by the Guardian. These revelations add to the ongoing scrutiny of connections between high-profile figures and Epstein, whose case has sparked widespread investigations and public interest.
The release of these documents underscores the complex web of associations in political and business circles, raising questions about past interactions and their implications. As more information emerges, the focus remains on transparency and accountability in light of Epstein's criminal activities.
