New Epstein Files Reveal Commerce Secretary Lutnick Visited 'Pedo Island'

Documents show Lutnick planned a trip to Epstein's private island in 2012, despite claiming he cut ties years earlier.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 4:31pm

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Newly released Epstein files reveal that Commerce Secretary and billionaire Howard Lutnick planned a trip to Epstein's private island in the Caribbean in 2012, several years after Lutnick claimed he had cut all ties with the convicted sex offender. The documents show Lutnick emailed Epstein in December 2012 inquiring about visiting the island with his family, and that the visit did in fact occur.

Why it matters

This revelation contradicts Lutnick's previous statements that he had severed ties with Epstein around 2005 after being 'revolted' by him. The new files raise questions about the extent of Lutnick's relationship with Epstein and whether he was truthful about distancing himself from the disgraced financier.

The details

According to the documents, in December 2012 Lutnick emailed Epstein saying he had a group of people, including his wife and children, who were visiting the Caribbean and asked where Epstein was located so they could visit for a meal. Epstein's assistant then set up a lunch gathering on the island for December 23, 2012. The next day, an Epstein assistant forwarded Lutnick a message from Epstein saying 'Nice seeing you.'

  • In 2005, Lutnick claimed he and his wife decided to never associate with Epstein again after being 'revolted' by seeing a massage table in Epstein's home.
  • In December 2012, Lutnick emailed Epstein about visiting his private island in the Caribbean with his family.
  • On December 23, 2012, the lunch gathering on Epstein's island took place.
  • On December 24, 2012, an Epstein assistant forwarded Lutnick a message from Epstein saying 'Nice seeing you.'

The players

Howard Lutnick

The current U.S. Commerce Secretary and billionaire CEO of financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald.

Jeffrey Epstein

The convicted sex offender and financier who died in jail in 2019.

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What they’re saying

“I spent zero time with him”

— Howard Lutnick (New York Times)

“Nice seeing you”

— Jeffrey Epstein (Email from Epstein's assistant)

What’s next

The revelations about Lutnick's connections to Epstein are likely to prompt further scrutiny and investigations into the Commerce Secretary's past relationships and dealings.

The takeaway

This case highlights the continued fallout from the Epstein scandal, with new information emerging that contradicts previous claims made by powerful individuals about their ties to the disgraced financier. It underscores the need for thorough investigations and transparency around the web of relationships Epstein cultivated among the political and business elite.