Commerce Secretary Lutnick Planned Visit to Epstein's Island Despite Denying Ties

Newly released documents show Lutnick coordinated a trip to Epstein's private Caribbean island in 2012, contradicting his previous claims of limited contact.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:15pm

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Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who has previously tried to distance himself from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was revealed to have planned a trip to Epstein's private island in the Caribbean in 2012. Emails show Lutnick coordinated the visit with Epstein's assistant, despite Lutnick's past statements that he had minimal interactions with his former Upper East Side neighbor.

Why it matters

Lutnick's planned visit to Epstein's island raises questions about the extent of their relationship, which Lutnick has downplayed. As a top Trump administration official, any ties to Epstein could prove politically damaging.

The details

Documents released by the Justice Department show that in December 2012, Lutnick emailed Epstein's assistant to let him know that Lutnick, his wife, children, and another family would be visiting Epstein's private island, Little St. James. Epstein's assistant invited them to join for lunch on the island on December 23, 2012, and a follow-up email suggested the gathering did take place. This contradicts Lutnick's previous statements that he had 'spent zero time' with Epstein.

  • In October 2026, Lutnick described Epstein as 'gross' and a 'blackmailer' in a podcast interview.
  • In December 2012, Lutnick coordinated a visit to Epstein's private island with his family.

The players

Howard Lutnick

The current U.S. Commerce Secretary who previously served as chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald. Lutnick was Epstein's neighbor on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late convicted sex offender who owned a private island in the Caribbean called Little St. James.

Lesley Groff

Epstein's personal assistant who corresponded with Lutnick about the planned visit to Epstein's island.

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What they’re saying

“I spent zero time with him.”

— Howard Lutnick, Commerce Secretary

What’s next

The Commerce Department has not yet commented on the newly released documents. It remains to be seen if this revelation of Lutnick's planned visit to Epstein's island will lead to further scrutiny of the Commerce Secretary's past interactions with the convicted sex offender.

The takeaway

This case highlights the continued fallout from the Epstein scandal, with new revelations emerging that contradict past statements made by high-profile individuals about the extent of their ties to the disgraced financier. It underscores the importance of transparency and accountability, especially for those in positions of power.