Trump’s Commerce Pick Draws Praise, Criticism From Lawmakers

President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of billionaire businessman Howard Lutnick to be Commerce secretary (see 2411190036) drew mixed reaction on Capitol Hill this week.

Lutnick, who is chairman and CEO of investment firm Cantor Fitzgerald, is an “outstanding America First choice” who is “ready and able to help jumpstart the American economy and take on the countries exploiting our trade deals," House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said.

In contrast, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., said the appointment “is a win for the billionaire class at the expense of working people." She asserted that Trump’s plan to increase tariffs “is a distraction from the MAGA scam to extend tax giveaways for giant corporations and billionaires like" Lutnick.