Washington D.C. – U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has expressed strong confidence in the Trump administration's ongoing trade negotiations, asserting that "They’re going to love the deals that President Trump and I are doing." The statement, shared by The Post Millennial, underscores the administration's aggressive push for new trade agreements, utilizing tariffs as a key negotiating leverage.
Lutnick, a billionaire Wall Street executive and former CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, was appointed Commerce Secretary in November 2024 and confirmed in February 2025. He has emerged as a central figure in President Trump's economic team, tasked with leading the nation's "Tariff and Trade agenda." His close relationship with the President has positioned him at the forefront of shaping global trade policy.
The Commerce Secretary has consistently indicated a pipeline of forthcoming agreements. In early May 2025, the U.S. announced a trade agreement with the United Kingdom, which Lutnick highlighted as a model for future deals. Additionally, a "framework" to implement a broader trade deal with China was reached in June 2025, following high-level talks in London and Geneva, aiming to de-escalate tensions and address trade imbalances.
Lutnick maintains that the administration's strategy, which includes a baseline 10% tariff on most countries, is designed to compel favorable terms for the United States. He has stated that these tariffs are intended to protect American jobs and reduce the trade deficit, believing they will ultimately lead to economic benefits without significantly raising consumer prices. The administration anticipates rolling out numerous agreements in the coming months as part of this strategy.