The short answer: Howard Lutnick is the 41st United States Secretary of Commerce, sworn in in February 2025. Before joining the Trump administration he led Cantor Fitzgerald for more than three decades, rebuilding the firm after it lost 658 employees on September 11, 2001. He appeared on The Pomp Podcast in October 2024, before he took office, while he was co-chair of the Trump transition team.
A guest profile from The Pomp Podcast, hosted by Anthony Pompliano. Last updated: October 25, 2026.
Key takeaways
Howard Lutnick is the 41st U.S. Secretary of Commerce, sworn in in February 2025.
He led Cantor Fitzgerald for more than three decades and rebuilt it after it lost 658 employees on September 11, 2001.
He appeared on The Pomp Podcast in October 2024, while co-chair of the Trump transition team.
Note
Lutnick's Pomp Podcast interview was recorded in October 2024, before the election and before he became Secretary of Commerce. The views quoted below are from that interview and do not describe his actions in office.
Who is Howard Lutnick?
Howard Lutnick is a businessman and the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. His X profile describes him as the "41st United States Secretary of Commerce."
He was sworn in at the White House in February 2025, as Fox News reported and the American Presidency Project records.
What is Howard Lutnick working on now?
Secretary of Commerce. He leads the U.S. Department of Commerce, where trade, tariffs and manufacturing investment are central to his work.
What did Howard Lutnick do before?
Cantor Fitzgerald, 1983. He joined Cantor after graduating from Haverford College and became its president and CEO in 1991, according to Wikipedia.
September 11, 2001. Cantor's offices were in the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The firm lost 658 employees, including his brother Gary. He rebuilt the firm and set up support for victims' families.
BGC and Newmark. He also led the related public companies BGC Group and Newmark.
Trump transition. In 2024 he was co-chair of the Trump transition team.
What is Howard Lutnick known for?
Rebuilding Cantor after 9/11. His leadership after the attacks is the defining story of his career.
A Wall Street CEO turned cabinet secretary. He went from running Cantor to leading the Commerce Department.
Tariffs. As Commerce Secretary he has been one of the administration's leading voices on trade and tariffs.
What does Howard Lutnick think about the economy and the American worker?
These are his opinions as shared on The Pomp Podcast in October 2024, before he took office. They are not forecasts or advice.
Inflation. He blamed the 2021 American Rescue Plan for inflation: "They put $1.9 trillion of new money into the system and create inflation." He said inflation hurts people living paycheck to paycheck most: "It crushes the American worker." (October 2024 episode)
Supporting Trump. "I'm all in with Donald Trump," he said, arguing that the Republican Party had become the party of the American worker.
National security and supply chains. He argued that relying on China for essentials is a risk, warning that "if we had war with China, they just wouldn't give us" penicillin.
Bitcoin, tariffs and debt. The episode, titled "Bitcoin & Tariffs Will Save The US Economy," also covered the national debt, balancing the budget and his story of 9/11.
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Where can I follow Howard Lutnick?
Howard Lutnick on The Pomp Podcast
Howard Lutnick has appeared on one episode of The Pomp Podcast, released October 28, 2024. His only appearance was recorded in October 2024, before the election.
Watch or listen to the latest episode
#1427 Howard Lutnick | Bitcoin & Tariffs Will Save The US Economy, released October 28, 2024.
Oct 28, 2024: #1427 Howard Lutnick | Bitcoin & Tariffs Will Save The US Economy · YouTube · Apple Podcasts · Spotify
Subscribe to The Pomp Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Howard Lutnick?
Howard Lutnick is the 41st U.S. Secretary of Commerce. He previously led Cantor Fitzgerald for more than three decades.
When did Howard Lutnick become Commerce Secretary?
He was sworn in at the White House in February 2025.
Does Howard Lutnick still own Cantor Fitzgerald?
In 2025 he transferred his Cantor Fitzgerald stakes to trusts for his children, Reuters reported.
What happened to Cantor Fitzgerald on 9/11?
The firm lost 658 employees in the attack on the World Trade Center, including Lutnick's brother Gary.
When was Howard Lutnick on The Pomp Podcast?
In October 2024, before the election and before he took office.
How many times has Howard Lutnick been on The Pomp Podcast?
Howard Lutnick has appeared on one episode of The Pomp Podcast, released October 28, 2024. The interview was recorded before he became Secretary of Commerce.
Sources
Last updated: October 25, 2026
Anthony Pompliano is an entrepreneur, investor, and author who serves as Chairman and CEO of Silvia, Inc (SVIA) and invests through Pomp Investments. He is the host of The Pomp Podcast, where he interviews founders, investors and economists about bitcoin, markets, AI and the economy.
This profile is based on his conversations with Howard Lutnick on The Pomp Podcast and on the sources listed above.
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This profile reflects the opinions of the guest and host as shared on The Pomp Podcast. It is guest opinion, not investment advice. Do your own research before making any investment decision.
