What role will Howard Lutnick play in Trump's trade policy as the new Commerce Secretary?

As the newly confirmed Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick will play a crucial role implementing Trump's 'America First' trade agenda, which relies heavily on tariffs as negotiation tools. He will oversee the Commerce Department with its 50,000 employees, advocating for US businesses, restricting technology exports to adversaries like China and Russia, and managing a $53 billion chipmaking sector stimulus program. Lutnick, a Wall Street billionaire and close Trump ally, has expressed strong support for tariffs, believing they create reciprocity, fairness, and respect in international trade. He will work closely with the US Trade Representative to implement Trump's tariff strategy, using across-the-board tariffs to pressure other countries into lowering barriers to American exports.