Photo: AFP
President-elect Donald Trump is expected to nominate Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, as the Secretary of Commerce, according to sources familiar with the process. Lutnick has been a key adviser during Trump's transition and has publicly supported Trump's tariff plans, which will be a significant part of his role leading the Commerce Department.
Born and raised in New York, Lutnick joined Cantor Fitzgerald in 1983 and has been the CEO since 1991. The firm was headquartered in New York's World Trade Center and tragically lost hundreds of employees in the 9/11 attacks. Lutnick's leadership in the aftermath of the tragedy has been widely recognized.
Lutnick's nomination follows days of speculation over who might fill the remaining top Cabinet posts in the incoming Trump administration. He was considered a front-runner for the role, along with Scott Bessent, an economic adviser on the Trump campaign, and Linda McMahon, a co-chair of Trump's transition team and former head of the Small Business Administration.
The Commerce Department will play a key role in executing some of Trump's proposed tariffs on goods imported into the United States. As co-chair of Trump's transition, Lutnick has been an outspoken advocate for Trump’s agenda, including explaining how he plans to use tariffs once in office.