Donald Trump Nominates Howard Lutnick as U.S. Secretary of Commerce

Donald Trump has chosen the Secretary of Commerce for the United States government.

If the appointment is approved as anticipated Lutnick will wield power in shaping the path the U.S economy takes over the coming four years.

President elect Donald Trump has chosen Howard Lutnick, an investor and billionaire to serve as the U.S Secretary Of Commerce in his administration. The announcement came from the transition team on Tuesday, November 19 in a statement released by Trump; " I am excited to share that Howard Lutnick, who is the Chairman and CEO at Cantor Fitzgerald investment firm will be part my administration, as the U.S Secretary Of Commerce " stated Trump.

Trump stated that Lutnick will oversee the trade and tariff initiatives for America with a focus on backing U.S. based businesses and being instrumental in carrying out Trump’s strategy to impose tariffs on trading allies while decreasing reliance on Chinas products and services. The incoming president has suggested imposing a 60% tariff on goods imported from China along with a tariff reaching 20%. Lutnick is, in favor of this approach.

The Department of Commerce has around 50 thousand employees. Operates with a budget of $11 billion annually.

The 63 year old billionaire investor and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald has never worked in government before. Was a strong supporter of Trump, during the presidential campaign and also contributed significantly to his campaign funds.

Trump has not yet chosen the leader of his National Economic Council besides deciding on the Secretary of the Treasury position. A role, in the presidents economic team.

President elect Donald Trump has also revealed that Doug Burgum, the Governor of North Dakota will be, in charge of both the U.S Department of the Interior and the National Energy Council.