The documents show that Howard Lutnick, now serving as US Commerce Secretary, planned a visit to Epstein’s private Caribbean island in December 2012. The proposed visit came years after Epstein had pleaded guilty in 2008 to prostitution-related charges, including one involving a minor.
Email exchanges indicate that Lutnick contacted Epstein’s assistant, Lesley Groff, regarding a lunch meeting. Subsequent correspondence shows coordination involving Lutnick’s wife, Allison, discussing travel logistics and arrival details. One message confirmed a planned arrival time, while another sought guidance on anchoring their vessel near the island.
Shortly afterward, Lutnick received a message relayed by Epstein’s assistant stating, “Nice seeing you,” suggesting the visit had taken place. The documents do not allege criminal wrongdoing by Lutnick.
Official Response from US Commerce Department
Responding to the release, a spokesperson for the US Department of Commerce said Lutnick had “limited interactions” with Epstein and that these interactions occurred in the presence of his wife. The spokesperson added that Lutnick has never been accused of any illegal conduct.
Lutnick himself has previously spoken publicly about Epstein. In a 2025 interview, he described Epstein as “gross” and referred to him as “the greatest blackmailer ever,” speculating that Epstein may have leveraged compromising material to secure a lenient plea deal in his first criminal case.
Prince Andrew Correspondence After Epstein’s Release
The documents also shed light on continued correspondence between Epstein and Prince Andrew, then Duke of York, shortly after Epstein completed a jail sentence in 2010. Emails reveal Epstein arranging introductions and proposing private meetings, including dinners at Buckingham Palace.
In one exchange, Epstein described a woman he was introducing to Andrew, characterising her in personal terms. Andrew responded enthusiastically, requesting further details and offering private venues for meetings. Subsequent emails suggest the two discussed meeting locations and timing, including references to Buckingham Palace.
These exchanges occurred while Epstein was re-establishing his social connections following his release under a controversial plea bargain in Florida.
Prince Andrew’s Position and Ongoing Scrutiny
Prince Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein or Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Despite these denials, his association with Epstein has had lasting consequences. In recent years, he was stripped of royal titles and stepped away from public royal duties.
ABC News reported that it has sought comment from representatives of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor following the latest document release. The new disclosures are expected to further intensify scrutiny of Epstein’s high-profile connections.
Wider Implications of the Epstein Files Release
The Justice Department’s release of additional Epstein-related material is part of a broader effort to bring transparency to one of the most controversial criminal cases of recent decades. Lawyers representing some survivors have raised concerns that certain names appearing in the documents may expose victims, despite assurances from authorities.