Trump Supporters are Pointing Fingers at Lutnick for Trump's Tariff Troubles
There is an increasing agreement that Lutnick may end up bearing the blame for the economic turmoil caused by the president’s unpredictable tariff policies.
TroibNews 
President Donald Trump is having difficulty effectively communicating his disjointed economic agenda, with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick bearing the brunt of the criticism.
Frustration is mounting among White House and administration officials, as well as Trump's external allies, regarding Lutnick's proximity to the president and the advice he provides on economic matters. This dissatisfaction has been fueled by Lutnick's recent television appearances, which some say reveal a fundamental misunderstanding of tariffs and economic principles. Additionally, he has been known to precede the president on several announcements, contradicting Trump’s messaging.
Combined with his often abrasive personality, these issues have left Lutnick isolated within the administration, leading to a growing consensus that he might be held responsible for the economic fallout stemming from Trump’s erratic tariff policies, according to five sources close to the administration. In a recent downturn, the Dow dropped nearly 500 points on Tuesday following Trump’s announcement and subsequent retraction of new tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, contributing to ongoing economic instability after an 890-point drop on Monday.
A source close to the administration remarked that Lutnick is “constantly auditioning for Trump's approval.” They added, “He’s trying to be a mini-Trump. I don't think he got the memo that only Trump gets to be Trump. It just reinforces that he doesn't really know how to do the job.”
This sentiment was echoed by 11 Trump allies, administration officials, and Republican lawmakers interviewed for this article, most of whom spoke under the condition of anonymity.
White House spokesperson Kush Desai defended Lutnick, stating that his “long and immensely successful private sector career makes him an integral addition to the Trump administration’s trade and economic team.” Desai emphasized that Lutnick aligns with the administration in “delivering economic prosperity for the American people,” citing a February jobs report that added 151,000 jobs and nearly $2 trillion in investments from businesses since Trump took office.
“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 said.
Lutnick, who previously served as CEO of the prominent financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald, originates from Wall Street, a sector typically skeptical of tariffs, yet he shares many viewpoints with the pro-tariff community. However, sources indicated that he has struggled to gain credibility with either faction. Peter Navarro, Trump's trade adviser, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are perceived as more ideologically aligned with pro-tariff advocates than Lutnick, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is regarded as more credible on economic matters by Wall Street, despite Lutnick's extensive management experience.
Lutnick's close relationship with the president has made him a key contact for Hill Republicans and foreign officials looking to influence U.S. tariff policies. For instance, he played a crucial role in negotiating with Ontario Premier Doug Ford to suspend a proposed 25 percent tariff on energy exports, prompting Trump to abandon plans for a 50 percent tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum.
Lutnick's rapport with Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc has been fostered through regular communication, mainly over text messages, with the Canadian government perceiving him as “really having the levers when it comes to the imposition of tariffs,” according to a senior official.
Lutnick first established a connection with LeBlanc during a dinner at Mar-a-Lago in November attended by outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Canadian officials feel they have “a solid and reliable interlocutor” in Lutnick due to his close ties with Trump.
While the president seems satisfied with Lutnick’s contributions, concerns persist among Trump allies that Lutnick may be providing the president with affirmations rather than necessary criticisms regarding tariffs and their economic implications.
Despite his role as Trump’s “yes man,” Lutnick has repeatedly found himself at odds with the president's economic messaging, often sharing unapproved statements in media appearances. A source noted that Lutnick has on several occasions suggested ideas in the Oval Office and then publicly discussed them as if they were official policy, even when they weren't.
Before Trump's pre-taped Fox Business interview aired, where the president refrained from dismissing recession possibilities, Lutnick expressed on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that Americans should “absolutely not” prepare for a recession.
This contradicted the administration's narrative that tariffs would have a beneficial long-term impact on the economy, despite short-term repercussions. During his address to Congress, Trump acknowledged that tariffs could lead to some “disturbance,” a sentiment White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced, describing the current climate as “a period of transition.”
“The president and Bessent are being more direct and honest because they believe the people are on their side. You don’t have to lie to people because you know what you’re doing is for their betterment,” said one individual close to the administration. “Lutnick is out there saying, ‘No, it’s all gonna be amazing.’”
Bessent has staunchly defended the administration's trade policies, reiterating Trump’s warnings about potential economic turbulence. He characterized tariffs as a “one-time price adjustment” and acknowledged possible economic challenges amid federal spending cuts.
Lutnick's premature comments about pausing tariffs on Mexico and Canada exacerbated White House confusion, as he disclosed information during a CNBC interview before Trump finalized negotiations with those countries, leaving the administration scrambling to clarify timelines.
While Lutnick gained favor with Trump as a significant fundraiser for the 2020 and 2024 campaigns, speculation has long circulated that he may be one of the first to exit the administration due to his polarizing demeanor and tendency to overstep. His extended presence during the transition displeased other insiders, primarily due to his control over information relayed to the president, which likely factored into his omission from the Cabinet position he desired—Treasury secretary.
When asked whom Lutnick has alienated within the administration, a second source close to Trump indicated “everyone,” noting that although the president is still receptive to Lutnick's views, discontent is growing reminiscent of the earlier transition period when he became sidelined.
On Capitol Hill, Lutnick has emerged as the preferred contact for lawmakers concerning tariffs, thanks to his accessibility and direct connection to Trump, as opposed to Navarro and Greer, whom they know less well. Even some Republican lawmakers who oppose Trump's trade strategy are eager for stability and signal a willingness to wait for tariffs to be part of a larger economic plan involving tax incentives for reshor
ing businesses and boosting energy production.
“I’m not a fan of tariffs. It needs to be a tool in the toolbox, I understand that,” stated Rep. Adrian Smith, chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade. “But what was successful about the previous term was that parallel engagement that I think brought people to the table and ultimately things got done.”
With Greer now confirmed as trade representative, some lawmakers hope for a more influential role in shaping the administration's tariff policies. However, it remains uncertain if he possesses the necessary relationships or personality to guide Trump effectively within Oval Office discussions, sources indicated.
In the interim, Republicans from agricultural states are attempting to bypass both Lutnick and Greer by appealing directly to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.
There has been some outreach by the administration to gauge whether upcoming tariffs and trade uncertainties are fuelling market instability, although it remains unclear if the feedback is influencing policy
decisions. Complicating matters is the perception that Lutnick lacks the vital connections on Wall Street to fully grasp the market's serious reactions to tariff news.
“Howard Lutnick has no respect from the CEO community. He was a broker’s broker. He was an institutional broker that not any CEO knew his name,” noted a third source close to the administration. “They’re really missing connectivity to the business world.”
Mickey Djuric, Victoria Guida, and Michael Stratford contributed to this report.
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
Frustration is mounting among White House and administration officials, as well as Trump's external allies, regarding Lutnick's proximity to the president and the advice he provides on economic matters. This dissatisfaction has been fueled by Lutnick's recent television appearances, which some say reveal a fundamental misunderstanding of tariffs and economic principles. Additionally, he has been known to precede the president on several announcements, contradicting Trump’s messaging.
Combined with his often abrasive personality, these issues have left Lutnick isolated within the administration, leading to a growing consensus that he might be held responsible for the economic fallout stemming from Trump’s erratic tariff policies, according to five sources close to the administration. In a recent downturn, the Dow dropped nearly 500 points on Tuesday following Trump’s announcement and subsequent retraction of new tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, contributing to ongoing economic instability after an 890-point drop on Monday.
A source close to the administration remarked that Lutnick is “constantly auditioning for Trump's approval.” They added, “He’s trying to be a mini-Trump. I don't think he got the memo that only Trump gets to be Trump. It just reinforces that he doesn't really know how to do the job.”
This sentiment was echoed by 11 Trump allies, administration officials, and Republican lawmakers interviewed for this article, most of whom spoke under the condition of anonymity.
White House spokesperson Kush Desai defended Lutnick, stating that his “long and immensely successful private sector career makes him an integral addition to the Trump administration’s trade and economic team.” Desai emphasized that Lutnick aligns with the administration in “delivering economic prosperity for the American people,” citing a February jobs report that added 151,000 jobs and nearly $2 trillion in investments from businesses since Trump took office.
“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 said.
Lutnick, who previously served as CEO of the prominent financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald, originates from Wall Street, a sector typically skeptical of tariffs, yet he shares many viewpoints with the pro-tariff community. However, sources indicated that he has struggled to gain credibility with either faction. Peter Navarro, Trump's trade adviser, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are perceived as more ideologically aligned with pro-tariff advocates than Lutnick, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is regarded as more credible on economic matters by Wall Street, despite Lutnick's extensive management experience.
Lutnick's close relationship with the president has made him a key contact for Hill Republicans and foreign officials looking to influence U.S. tariff policies. For instance, he played a crucial role in negotiating with Ontario Premier Doug Ford to suspend a proposed 25 percent tariff on energy exports, prompting Trump to abandon plans for a 50 percent tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum.
Lutnick's rapport with Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc has been fostered through regular communication, mainly over text messages, with the Canadian government perceiving him as “really having the levers when it comes to the imposition of tariffs,” according to a senior official.
Lutnick first established a connection with LeBlanc during a dinner at Mar-a-Lago in November attended by outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Canadian officials feel they have “a solid and reliable interlocutor” in Lutnick due to his close ties with Trump.
While the president seems satisfied with Lutnick’s contributions, concerns persist among Trump allies that Lutnick may be providing the president with affirmations rather than necessary criticisms regarding tariffs and their economic implications.
Despite his role as Trump’s “yes man,” Lutnick has repeatedly found himself at odds with the president's economic messaging, often sharing unapproved statements in media appearances. A source noted that Lutnick has on several occasions suggested ideas in the Oval Office and then publicly discussed them as if they were official policy, even when they weren't.
Before Trump's pre-taped Fox Business interview aired, where the president refrained from dismissing recession possibilities, Lutnick expressed on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that Americans should “absolutely not” prepare for a recession.
This contradicted the administration's narrative that tariffs would have a beneficial long-term impact on the economy, despite short-term repercussions. During his address to Congress, Trump acknowledged that tariffs could lead to some “disturbance,” a sentiment White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced, describing the current climate as “a period of transition.”
“The president and Bessent are being more direct and honest because they believe the people are on their side. You don’t have to lie to people because you know what you’re doing is for their betterment,” said one individual close to the administration. “Lutnick is out there saying, ‘No, it’s all gonna be amazing.’”
Bessent has staunchly defended the administration's trade policies, reiterating Trump’s warnings about potential economic turbulence. He characterized tariffs as a “one-time price adjustment” and acknowledged possible economic challenges amid federal spending cuts.
Lutnick's premature comments about pausing tariffs on Mexico and Canada exacerbated White House confusion, as he disclosed information during a CNBC interview before Trump finalized negotiations with those countries, leaving the administration scrambling to clarify timelines.
While Lutnick gained favor with Trump as a significant fundraiser for the 2020 and 2024 campaigns, speculation has long circulated that he may be one of the first to exit the administration due to his polarizing demeanor and tendency to overstep. His extended presence during the transition displeased other insiders, primarily due to his control over information relayed to the president, which likely factored into his omission from the Cabinet position he desired—Treasury secretary.
When asked whom Lutnick has alienated within the administration, a second source close to Trump indicated “everyone,” noting that although the president is still receptive to Lutnick's views, discontent is growing reminiscent of the earlier transition period when he became sidelined.
On Capitol Hill, Lutnick has emerged as the preferred contact for lawmakers concerning tariffs, thanks to his accessibility and direct connection to Trump, as opposed to Navarro and Greer, whom they know less well. Even some Republican lawmakers who oppose Trump's trade strategy are eager for stability and signal a willingness to wait for tariffs to be part of a larger economic plan involving tax incentives for reshor
ing businesses and boosting energy production.
“I’m not a fan of tariffs. It needs to be a tool in the toolbox, I understand that,” stated Rep. Adrian Smith, chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade. “But what was successful about the previous term was that parallel engagement that I think brought people to the table and ultimately things got done.”
With Greer now confirmed as trade representative, some lawmakers hope for a more influential role in shaping the administration's tariff policies. However, it remains uncertain if he possesses the necessary relationships or personality to guide Trump effectively within Oval Office discussions, sources indicated.
In the interim, Republicans from agricultural states are attempting to bypass both Lutnick and Greer by appealing directly to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.
There has been some outreach by the administration to gauge whether upcoming tariffs and trade uncertainties are fuelling market instability, although it remains unclear if the feedback is influencing policy
decisions. Complicating matters is the perception that Lutnick lacks the vital connections on Wall Street to fully grasp the market's serious reactions to tariff news.
“Howard Lutnick has no respect from the CEO community. He was a broker’s broker. He was an institutional broker that not any CEO knew his name,” noted a third source close to the administration. “They’re really missing connectivity to the business world.”
Mickey Djuric, Victoria Guida, and Michael Stratford contributed to this report.
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
