Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has found himself at the center of growing frustration within the Trump administration as President Donald Trump prepares to implement his “Liberation Day” strategy, which includes the launch of reciprocal tariffs.
According to the New York Post, sources close to the White House have compared the situation to “being a mosquito at a nudist colony — where do you even start?” due to the widespread discontent regarding Lutnick’s actions.
Lutnick, a former CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and ex-co-chair of Trump’s transition team, has become a polarising figure, irritating colleagues with both his approach to policy and his public statements. One particular remark—his assertion that a recession caused by tariffs would be “worth it”—has drawn sharp criticism. He has also caused concern by promoting Tesla stock in public forums, which has raised questions about his judgment and the administration’s messaging.
“He just isn’t deliberate enough with his words. Like, he can’t just be promoting certain stocks or saying even if there’s a recession it’ll be ‘worth it,’” a source close to the administration explained to the Post.
“He is a loose cannon with half-baked ideas that he just randomly spews on live television.”
Another source confirmed that annoyance with Lutnick has been escalating, especially because of his habit of speaking loosely in public and inserting himself into policy matters where he isn’t always welcome. These internal grievances come as the administration prepares for the announcement of reciprocal tariffs, coinciding with the implementation of President Trump’s 25% tariffs on all goods from Canada and Mexico, as well as on global automobile imports.
Lutnick’s role in the administration has created rare internal rifts, with his influence and behavior causing divisions within the team. In contrast to the chaotic infighting during Trump’s first term, the second-term team had managed to keep such disagreements largely out of the public eye.
Despite the growing tensions surrounding Lutnick, the White House has defended his record, particularly his background in the private sector. Spokesperson Kush Desai highlighted Lutnick’s significant business experience in a statement, emphasising his importance to the Trump administration’s economic and trade efforts.
“Secretary Lutnick’s long and immensely successful private sector career makes him an integral addition to the Trump administration’s trade and economic team,” Desai said. “Every member of the Trump administration is playing from the same playbook — President Trump’s playbook — to enact an America First agenda of tariffs, tax cuts, deregulation, and the unleashing of American energy.”
Desai also addressed Lutnick’s controversial comments about promoting Tesla stock, a statement that sparked further controversy. “While deranged Democrats like Tim Walz are openly calling for the ruin of an iconic American company that employs tens of thousands of everyday Americans, the Trump administration is committed to unleashing prosperity for all of our companies, industries, and workers,” Desai remarked.
As the administration continues to move forward with its tariff plans, Lutnick’s position within the White House remains a subject of both support and criticism. Lutnick, however, did not immediately respond to requests for comment by the New York Post.
