"Trump World Turns on Lutnick: 'I Don’t Know Anyone That Isn’t Pissed Off at Him'"
As 'Liberation Day' approaches, the Trump administration's patience with the Commerce secretary is diminishing.
TroibNews 
Inside the White House, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has emerged as a key advocate for "Liberation Day," the anticipated announcement of sweeping new tariffs by President Donald Trump on Wednesday. However, as the date approaches, the potential consequences of these tariffs could lead to Lutnick's departure from his role within the administration, according to several individuals close to the White House.
As Americans and global observers prepare for a tumultuous period that may follow the introduction of these tariffs, there seems to be a readiness within Trump’s circle to assign blame if the situation worsens. Two sources familiar with the administration's dynamics, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that much of the blame could land on Lutnick.
“I think people would take special pleasure in blaming him,” one source remarked.
Lutnick regularly spends time in the Oval Office, promoting the president’s tariff strategy and “giving him bad advice — pushing more aggressive tariffs,” according to one insider.
In contrast, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is described as the “measured voice” advocating for more targeted tariffs. Trade adviser Peter Navarro, while a strong supporter of tariffs, is viewed as a stable presence and not someone who disrupts the status quo. Lutnick, however, is characterized as “a new voice at the table pushing crazy shit,” as one source noted, with sentiment suggesting, “I don’t know anyone that isn’t pissed off at him.”
“Every member of the Trump administration is aligned on finally leveling the playing field for American industries and workers,” stated White House spokesperson Kush Desai. “President Trump has assembled the best and brightest trade team in modern American history to reignite American greatness, and they are hard at work following the same playbook — President Trump’s playbook — to deliver for the American people.”
Weeks ago, PMG reported that Lutnick's frequent media appearances and close association with Trump had begun to wear thin among White House staff and allies. With economic stakes now skyrocketing, this tension appears to have escalated.
“Everybody” in Washington is anxious about what could occur on April 2, one ally of the White House expressed.
According to another source, the corporate sector is currently “no optimism” about the situation. “They know tariffs are coming, and their hope is that the damage will be fast and significant enough to quickly have the administration backtrack.”
Meanwhile, Trump seems to take pleasure in the uncertainty. He “likes the shock and awe,” said a White House official, indicating his desire to leverage this sentiment. “Each country needs to panic and call. … Trump wants to hear you grovel and say you’ll cut a deal.”
Will groveling make a difference between now and “Liberation Day”?
“I think it depends,” the White House official commented. “Some [nations] will cut a deal before and some just won’t get it and will get pounded. And then we’ll see how fast they start dealing.”
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
As Americans and global observers prepare for a tumultuous period that may follow the introduction of these tariffs, there seems to be a readiness within Trump’s circle to assign blame if the situation worsens. Two sources familiar with the administration's dynamics, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that much of the blame could land on Lutnick.
“I think people would take special pleasure in blaming him,” one source remarked.
Lutnick regularly spends time in the Oval Office, promoting the president’s tariff strategy and “giving him bad advice — pushing more aggressive tariffs,” according to one insider.
In contrast, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is described as the “measured voice” advocating for more targeted tariffs. Trade adviser Peter Navarro, while a strong supporter of tariffs, is viewed as a stable presence and not someone who disrupts the status quo. Lutnick, however, is characterized as “a new voice at the table pushing crazy shit,” as one source noted, with sentiment suggesting, “I don’t know anyone that isn’t pissed off at him.”
“Every member of the Trump administration is aligned on finally leveling the playing field for American industries and workers,” stated White House spokesperson Kush Desai. “President Trump has assembled the best and brightest trade team in modern American history to reignite American greatness, and they are hard at work following the same playbook — President Trump’s playbook — to deliver for the American people.”
Weeks ago, PMG reported that Lutnick's frequent media appearances and close association with Trump had begun to wear thin among White House staff and allies. With economic stakes now skyrocketing, this tension appears to have escalated.
“Everybody” in Washington is anxious about what could occur on April 2, one ally of the White House expressed.
According to another source, the corporate sector is currently “no optimism” about the situation. “They know tariffs are coming, and their hope is that the damage will be fast and significant enough to quickly have the administration backtrack.”
Meanwhile, Trump seems to take pleasure in the uncertainty. He “likes the shock and awe,” said a White House official, indicating his desire to leverage this sentiment. “Each country needs to panic and call. … Trump wants to hear you grovel and say you’ll cut a deal.”
Will groveling make a difference between now and “Liberation Day”?
“I think it depends,” the White House official commented. “Some [nations] will cut a deal before and some just won’t get it and will get pounded. And then we’ll see how fast they start dealing.”
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
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