Epstein’s Business Ties with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick Exposed
Howard Lutnick, the billionaire commerce secretary under President Trump, has been linked to Jeffrey Epstein in multiple ways that span over a decade. Recent records from the Justice Department reveal their interactions while living near each other on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The two were not only neighbors but had mutual business interests and social encounters.
Business Connections Between Lutnick and Epstein
Both Lutnick and Epstein were involved in a jointly funded venture. They invested in a company called AdFin Solutions Inc., which aimed to deliver advanced intelligence for online advertising. Epstein invested through Southern Trust Company, while Lutnick’s investment came through CVAFH I L.L.C., an affiliate of Cantor Fitzgerald. Despite their early enthusiasm, the investment did not yield positive results, as noted by a businessman who facilitated their involvement.
Neighborhood and Social Interactions
- Lutnick purchased his home at 11 East 71st Street for $7.6 million in 1998.
- Epstein resided at the adjacent 9 East 71st Street.
- The two had casual interactions typical of neighbors in affluent circles, often arranged through their assistants.
- Records indicate Lutnick and Epstein communicated via email regarding personal and philanthropic matters.
Notably, in May 2011, Lutnick had a scheduled drinks appointment with Epstein, followed by a dinner with Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn. Documentation suggests Lutnick even left his phone at Epstein’s residence on that occasion. Additionally, in late 2012, Lutnick planned to visit Epstein’s private island, Little St. James, indicating a level of familiarity despite Lutnick’s public denials.
Public Denials and Contradictions
In various media appearances, Lutnick dismissed having close connections to Epstein. He claimed to have been repulsed by Epstein during a 2005 encounter and asserted that he had “zero time” spent with him. This contradicted the newly uncovered records that portrayed their acquaintance more intimately than Lutnick admitted.
Philanthropic Relations
Despite their business ties, Lutnick and Epstein also shared philanthropic interests. In 2015, Lutnick hosted a fundraiser for Hillary Clinton, which Epstein was invited to attend. However, Epstein did not contribute to this campaign. Records show he donated $50,000 in 2017 to an event honoring Lutnick, indicating a willingness to support Lutnick’s charitable endeavors.
Final Exchanges and Ongoing Communication
Throughout their interactions, Lutnick frequently reached out to Epstein, often regarding community issues. In 2018, they communicated about a construction proposal that threatened to obstruct their views of a local park. Lutnick’s urgent emails highlight the ongoing nature of their relationship, despite Epstein’s legal troubles, which culminated in his death in jail in 2019.
The documents from the Justice Department paint a complex picture of the relationship between Howard Lutnick and Jeffrey Epstein. Although both parties have publicly downplayed their connections, the depth and frequency of their interactions cannot be overlooked.
