Howard Lutnick, the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Commerce Department. Lutnick has been a prominent figure in Trump’s transition team and is known for his outspoken advocacy of Trump’s agenda, including the use of tariffs. Lutnick has been with Cantor Fitzgerald since the early 1980s after graduating from Haverford College with an economics degree.
He faced personal tragedies at a young age, losing his mother in high school and his father during his first week of college. Lutnick was working at Cantor Fitzgerald during the 9/11 attacks, which resulted in the death of hundreds of employees, including his brother. Following the attacks, he became an advocate for the business community as New York worked to rebuild.
As Commerce Secretary, Lutnick will play a key role in executing Trump’s proposed tariffs on imported goods. In a brief statement, Lutnick thanked Trump for the trust placed in him and expressed his commitment to “Make America Great Again.”
Lutnick’s nomination follows speculation over who might fill the remaining top Cabinet posts in the incoming Trump administration.
Lutnick to lead Commerce Department
His selection was first reported by Punchbowl News. The official transition team has not yet responded to requests for comment. The announcement of Lutnick as Commerce Secretary comes as the Treasury Secretary position remains unfilled.
Lutnick was also considered a top contender for this role. Lutnick’s nomination is seen as a move toward strong economic leadership, leveraging his extensive knowledge in investments and financial management. This aligns with Trump’s previous administration, where business leaders were frequently selected for key roles.
As the 2024 US Presidential Election approaches, the prospect of Lutnick joining Trump’s team adds intrigue to the highly contested race. The focus now shifts to the electoral campaign and the potential impact of high-profile appointments on shaping the future of the US economy.
