Senate Hearing for Commerce Secretary Nominee Howard Lutnick Scheduled for January 29
Howard Lutnick endorses President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, referring to them as ‘a bargaining chip.’
“Howard Lutnick is an outstanding selection to guide the Department of Commerce, and his extensive background will greatly benefit his mission to foster America’s boundless entrepreneurial spirit,” stated Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), the committee chair.
“Mr. Lutnick will be instrumental in unlocking extraordinary innovation and ensuring our nation’s job creators are equipped to generate ample opportunities for well-paying jobs,” he added.
Lutnick backs President Donald Trump’s tariff strategy and has described tariffs as “a bargaining chip.”
In his announcement of Lutnick as the nominee for commerce secretary, Trump praised Lutnick for having “developed the most sophisticated process and system to help us create the most exceptional administration America has ever had.”
Lutnick advocates for wide-ranging tariffs.
“Everyone else is going to negotiate with us,” Lutnick remarked.
As a billionaire, Lutnick was a co-chair of the Trump transition team following the election, having been appointed to the role before November 5.
He significantly funded Trump’s campaigns in both the 2020 and 2024 election cycles.
All employees present in the office that day perished.
Lutnick survived because he was taking his sons to their first days of pre-school and kindergarten.