Howard Lutnick and Prince Andrew named in latest Epstein files release
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was included in newly released Justice Department documents that detail a planned 2012 visit to Jeffrey Epstein’s private Caribbean island, years after Epstein pleaded guilty to prostitution-related charges involving a minor. The records show email exchanges in December 2012 in which Lutnick discussed meeting Epstein for lunch while traveling in the Caribbean with a large group that included family and friends. Epstein’s longtime assistant coordinated the arrangements, confirming lunch plans and providing directions to Little St. James. Additional emails indicate Lutnick’s wife, Allison, was also involved in the planning and logistics of the visit, including arrival times and anchoring details. Follow-up correspondence from Epstein’s assistant later referenced seeing Lutnick, suggesting the meeting took place. Lutnick has since publicly described Epstein as “gross” and referred to him as “the greatest blackmailer ever,” alleging Epstein may have leveraged compromising material to secure a lenient plea deal in 2008. A Commerce Department spokesperson said Lutnick’s interactions with Epstein were limited, occurred in the presence of his wife, and involved no wrongdoing.
The document release also sheds light on communications between Epstein and Prince Andrew, then the Duke of York, shortly after Epstein completed a brief jail sentence in 2010. Emails show Epstein arranging introductions and social meetings, including private dinners, with Prince Andrew responding enthusiastically and offering highly secure locations such as Buckingham Palace. The correspondence included discussions of privacy, travel plans, and extended in-person meetings in London and elsewhere, with Epstein at one point requesting private time while also traveling with others. The two appeared to maintain regular contact in the weeks that followed, exchanging messages about meeting schedules and venues. Prince Andrew has denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell, but his long association with Epstein ultimately led to the loss of his royal titles and residence as public scrutiny intensified.
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