President Donald Trump’s historic return to the Oval Office is an American comeback story like no other… but the man he nominated to serve as Secretary of Commerce also has a very powerful success story of his own… and he was just confirmed by the U.S. Senate Tuesday evening.
From the New York Times: The Senate on Tuesday voted 51 to 45 to confirm Howard Lutnick to be President Trump’s commerce secretary, putting in place one of the administration’s top economic officials who will help oversee an agenda around tariffs and protectionism.
Mr. Lutnick, who was the chief executive of the financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald, became a central economic adviser to Mr. Trump over the past year and led his transition team. He has defended tariffs as a tool to protect U.S. industries from international competition, promoted lower corporate taxes and called for an expansion of energy production.
As commerce secretary, Mr. Lutnick will take on a broad portfolio that includes defending U.S. business interests worldwide and overseeing restrictions on technology exports to countries like China.
Lutnick, 63, was confirmed along party lines, with Republicans voting to confirm and Democrats voting to oppose him.
Four senators, 2 Republicans and 2 Democrats, did not vote: Jerry Moran (R-KS), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.).
U.S. Senate CONFIRMS Howard Lutnick to be Secretary of Commerce, 51-45. pic.twitter.com/TYIbzauVEx
— CSPAN (@cspan) February 18, 2025
Lutnick’s personal story is one every American should know. At the time of the Sept. 11 terror attacks, Lutnick was the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, whose offices were on the 101-105 floors of the World Trade Center’s North Tower. Out of 960 employees, 658 were in the office at the time the plane hit the tower just below their floors. All 658 employees perished that day, including Lutnick’s own brother, and many of his best friends.
Lutnick would have normally been in the office at that time of day as well, but he was spared only because he was taking his young son to his first day of kindergarten at the time the attack occurred.
Lutnick later rebuilt his company, and provided financial support for the families of the employees who perished.
In October, Lutnick was interviewed by investor Anthony Pompliano. A portion of that video is now re-circulating on social media. In the clip, Lutnick tells the story of what happened on 9/11 and how his rebuilt his company.
The 30-minute video is powerful, riveting and emotional. Pompliano writes, “This story is the epitome of the American spirit. Howard doesn’t quit, but instead uses his skills, talent, and leadership to create one of the greatest comebacks in modern history. I promise Howard’s story will challenge you to be a better human. Enjoy!”
WATCH BELOW:
This is the most powerful story of the year.@howardlutnick watched as more than 650 of his employees died during the September 11th attacks, including his brother and his best friend.
Howard is then faced with a decision — shut down his company or use the business to generate… pic.twitter.com/X6X5HmHVeL
— Anthony Pompliano 🌪 (@APompliano) November 2, 2024
Below is a video of the entire 2-hour interview.
House Speaker Mike Johnson wrote after Lutnick’s confirmation, “Congratulations to my good friend @howardlutnick on his confirmation as Secretary of Commerce! As an extraordinary expert in finance, an energetic leader, and a true humanitarian, he will help President Trump boost our economy and stand up to countries exploiting our trade deals.”
Congratulations to my good friend @howardlutnick on his confirmation as Secretary of Commerce!
As an extraordinary expert in finance, an energetic leader, and a true humanitarian, he will help President Trump boost our economy and stand up to countries exploiting our trade…
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) February 18, 2025
Congratulations to our new Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick! pic.twitter.com/8ohzAAA2o0
— House Republicans (@HouseGOP) February 18, 2025
Congratulations Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick! pic.twitter.com/2QGtcduPnJ
— GOP (@GOP) February 19, 2025
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