JUST IN: Trump Officially Announces Nomination For Key Role In His Administration

President-elect Donald J. Trump has unveiled his choice for Secretary of Commerce, a key figure in shaping the administration’s trade and tariff policies.

The position, critical to overseeing the nation’s economic strategy and global trade relations, will be filled by Howard Lutnick, chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald. Known for his leadership in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, Lutnick rebuilt the financial firm while spearheading one of the largest philanthropic efforts to support the families of victims.

Trump praised Lutnick’s “dynamic force” in the business world and credited him with helping design the Trump-Vance transition process. “Howard has created the most sophisticated system to assist us in creating the greatest Administration America has ever seen,” Trump said in a statement.

Lutnick’s decades-long career in finance began at Cantor Fitzgerald in 1983, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become CEO at 29. He faced unimaginable tragedy on September 11, 2001, losing 658 employees—including close friends and family—when the Twin Towers fell.

A twist of fate saved his own life: he was taking his son to his first day of kindergarten that morning, keeping him away from Cantor Fitzgerald’s offices at the World Trade Center. Despite the overwhelming loss, Lutnick rebuilt his financial trading firm, transforming it into a global powerhouse that continues to thrive today.

As Secretary of Commerce, Lutnick will lead the administration’s efforts to renegotiate trade agreements and enforce tariffs, with direct oversight of the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Trump has said that revitalizing American manufacturing and reducing trade deficits are among his top priorities, framing Lutnick as the ideal leader for these efforts.

Initially floated as a contender for Treasury Secretary, Lutnick faced stiff competition from prominent investor Scott Bessent. The rivalry prompted Trump to broaden the search, bringing figures like former Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Warsh and Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan into the mix, according to the Financial Times.

Lutnick is also known for his extensive philanthropy, having donated over $100 million to victims of terrorism, natural disasters, and emergencies worldwide. His contributions include $180 million for families impacted by 9/11, an initiative that cemented his reputation as a compassionate yet driven leader.

Lutnick’s support for Trump during his presidency has been notable, as he praised Trump’s economic policies, particularly in regard to deregulation and tax reforms that benefitted businesses like his own.

WATCH:

“Tariffs are an amazing tool for the president to use. They’re an amazing tool, but he [Trump] understands,” he told MSNBC’s Squawk Box earlier this year. “Don’t tariff stuff we don’t make. Right. If we don’t make it and you want to buy it, I don’t want to make it in America? Tariff it? Or if we’re competing with it, tariff it? But you got to remember we need to protect the American worker.

Lutnick continued, “Finally someone’s going to protect the American worker and Donald Trump is here to protect the American worker.”

This announcement marks another step in shaping the Trump administration ahead of its January 20 inauguration.

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