Washington, D.C. – Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has become a key advisor to President Donald Trump, engaging the president in regular late-night discussions that cover everything from trade issues to everyday concerns. These conversations typically take place around 1 a.m., shortly after Lutnick settles into bed, highlighting the unique rapport shared by the two men.
Lutnick’s connection to Trump has set him apart in a cabinet where the president frequently reaches out to allies, aides, and media figures during the late-night hours. This pattern has persisted throughout Trump’s second term, echoing the dynamics that characterized his first four years in office.
In 2025, Lutnick acknowledged that Trump had other nighttime confidants but did not specify who they were. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin also mentioned in 2026 that he had received calls from the president during late hours, a routine that his wife has noted occurs quite often.
A profile from New Yorker in 2025 revealed that Trump and Lutnick’s discussions spanned various topics, from pressing trade negotiations to lighter subjects. This behavior mirrors a previous pattern noted in Trump’s first administration, where he was known to frequently engage in banter with Fox News host Sean Hannity post-show.
The bond between Lutnick and Trump extends beyond their late-night talks. Recent real estate transactions, such as Lutnick and his wife purchasing a luxurious home previously owned by Fox News anchor Bret Baier, showcase their wealth and prominence. Such high-profile gatherings were underscored when the president attended a private dinner celebrating Lutnick’s birthday.
Despite their wealth, both Lutnick and Trump often find themselves at odds with elite circles in Manhattan, where they appear to elicit mixed reactions. While they are hailed as triumphs in heartland America, back in New York, they can be met with skepticism.
Lutnick’s evolution in his political loyalties has been marked. Once critical of Trump, describing him as a “buffoon,” he eventually pivoted to support the president and became a significant fundraiser by 2024. Appointed as Commerce Secretary in early 2025, he envisions his role as a transformative one, aiming to rival historical figures like Herbert Hoover in shaping commerce policy.
However, not all perceptions of Lutnick are favorable. Critics label him as an “errand boy,” pointing to Treasurer Secretary Scott Bessent’s role as a more intellectual counterbalance. Lutnick, citing his business acumen, believes he understands Trump uniquely, claiming to foresee the direction in which the administration will steer.
Yet, their closeness has not insulated Lutnick from the president’s frustrations. Following Trump’s announcement of a sweeping tariff plan in early 2025, Lutnick was left scrambling to justify the policy’s details during a tense phone call with Trump and subsequent media appearances.
His recent congressional testimony has been marked by challenges, with lawmakers scrutinizing the administration’s trade strategies. Demands for his resignation have arisen over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and controversial trade decisions, reflecting bipartisan frustrations.
Amid these controversies, Lutnick continues to advocate for Trump’s Gold Card visa initiative, although progress has been slow, with only one application approved as of his latest testimony. Senators have pressed for documents related to reports indicating that a firm linked to Lutnick’s financial dealings may have sought to influence his actions.
As Lutnick navigates the turbulent waters of Washington politics, the extent to which he can leverage his relationship with Trump into effective policy remains uncertain, leaving both supporters and detractors watching closely.