Howard Lutnick
Secretary of Commerce
Howard William Lutnick was born in July 1961 in Long Island, New York. His mother died before he graduated from high school, and his father passed away during his first year at Haverford College. He graduated with a degree in economics.
Lutnick became an exchange broker before working for Cantor Fitzgerald. He rose to the position of division chief executive and was later appointed successor to B. Gerald Cantor. He eventually became CEO and president of the firm.
The Cantor Fitzgerald headquarters occupied floors in the World Trade Center North Tower, just above where the American Airlines jet crashed into the building on September 11, 2001. All 658 employees in the office that day died, including Lutnick’s brother, Gary. Lutnick coordinated with the American Red Cross to provide relief to victims’ families and divided millions in profits among survivors. He relocated the company headquarters to midtown Manhattan.
President Donald Trump nominated Lutnick to be Secretary of the Department of Commerce in November 2024. He was confirmed by the Senate and took office in February 2025. After his confirmation, Lutnick named his sons chairman and vice chairman of the company.
Lutnick is married to Allison, and they have four children. He is Jewish.
In the News…
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently toured a Trane manufacturing factory in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He highlighted the potential for domestic businesses, and how President Trump supports the growth of American companies. He claimed that unions and companies can work together successfully.
Secretary Lutnick stated, “If you include all of the companies that are outside of America, that are attacking us, you realize once President Trump gets in the game, and it’s the company and the union workers against everyone else. The company can win, and the union labor can win.”
He highlighted the workers in the factory, saying, “You walk through this factory, and see the talent, you see precision, and you see American innovation.”
Contact this Leader…
Did you pray for Secretary Lutnick today? You can let her know at:
The Honorable Howard Lutnick, Secretary
Department of Commerce
1401 Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20230
