President-elect Donald J. Trump has named Howard Lutnick, Chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, as his choice for Secretary of Commerce in his new administration. Lutnick will lead the nation’s Tariff and Trade agenda and oversee the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
In his statement, Trump lauded Lutnick’s role as Co-Chair of the Trump-Vance Transition Team, calling him instrumental in crafting “the most sophisticated process and system to create the greatest Administration America has ever seen.”
Lutnick’s career spans over 30 years as a prominent figure on Wall Street. Joining Cantor Fitzgerald in 1983, he became President and CEO at just 29 years old. His leadership gained global recognition after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, which claimed the lives of 658 of Cantor Fitzgerald’s 960 New York-based employees, including Lutnick’s brother and best friend.
In the aftermath, Lutnick led efforts to rebuild the firm while providing significant support to the families of those lost.
Under his direction, the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund distributed $180 million to 9/11 families. His philanthropy extended to victims of terrorism, natural disasters, and emergencies worldwide, with donations exceeding $100 million.
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Accomplishments and Honors
Lutnick’s contributions to finance, philanthropy, and public service have earned him numerous accolades:
- Board Memberships: National September 11 Memorial & Museum, Weill Cornell Medicine.
- Awards:
- Financial Times Person of the Year (2001)
- Ernst & Young United States Entrepreneur of the Year (2010)
- Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award, the highest honor for non-military personnel.
Looking Ahead
As Secretary of Commerce, Lutnick will play a pivotal role in shaping trade policies and advancing the administration’s economic priorities.
Trump’s announcement underscores Lutnick’s resilience and leadership, framing him as a key figure in delivering what the former president calls “the greatest Administration America has ever seen.”
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