President Donald Trump frequently places late-night calls to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick after midnight, typically just after Lutnick has retired for the night. This unusual routine was highlighted in a profile published July 21, 2025, by The New Yorker. These conversations, a hallmark of the Trump administration’s internal operations, touch on both critical policy issues and informal discussions.
According to Lutnick, the discussions with Trump range from significant topics like Canadian steel tariffs to more mundane subjects such as sports, people, dinner guests, television commentary, and Trump’s media engagements. The Commerce Secretary noted that Trump often seeks his opinions on press conferences and social media activity during these late-night exchanges.
The 64-year-old former Cantor Fitzgerald CEO mentioned that Trump has similar late-night communication habits with others, although Lutnick did not disclose who else receives these calls. This practice is reminiscent of Trump’s previous term, during which he frequently made late-night calls to media personalities and allies.
Lutnick’s connection with Trump predates their government roles, stemming from his tenure at Cantor Fitzgerald and his appearance on Trump’s reality show “Celebrity Apprentice.” Despite casting his vote for Hillary Clinton in 2016, Lutnick became a significant fundraiser for Trump’s 2024 campaign and served as co-chair of his presidential transition team.
This year, the Commerce Secretary purchased Fox News anchor Bret Baier’s former Washington, D.C., home for $25 million, relocating to the capital for his role in the administration. His residence is adorned with expensive artworks by renowned artists like Mark Rothko and Willem de Kooning. Recently, Trump celebrated his birthday at a private dinner hosted at Lutnick’s new home.
Initially, Lutnick aspired to be Treasury Secretary but was appointed to head the Commerce Department in February after unsuccessful lobbying efforts. He perceives himself as Trump’s primary dealmaker, leveraging his extensive business background. Lutnick told The New Yorker that he comprehends Trump’s thought processes and can foresee his decisions.
Nevertheless, Lutnick has faced criticism from within Trump’s circle. Some describe him as an “errand boy,” a “non-stop” talker, and lacking the intellectual prowess of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. An insider suggested that while Lutnick’s personality resonates with Trump, Bessent offers the administration more substantial expertise.
The Commerce Secretary dealt with Trump’s frustration over the contentious “reciprocal tariffs” announced on April 2, framed as policies to “Liberate America.” These tariffs were calculated using a complex and criticized formula involving trade deficits and import volumes. When Trump demanded explanations for the tariff calculations during a call, Lutnick admitted he was unsure about the methodology but was instructed to publicly defend it on television.
Lutnick has become a vocal supporter of Trump’s trade policies, despite occasional inconsistencies in his messaging. During a recent congressional hearing, he puzzled Republican senators by appearing unfamiliar with certain trade laws under his department’s jurisdiction. The profile noted that throughout the spring and summer in Washington, D.C., people often approached Lutnick for assistance on various matters.
The New Yorker profile draws parallels between Trump and Lutnick, suggesting both men were excluded from elite Manhattan social circles despite their significant wealth. A source close to Lutnick noted that while middle America regards them as symbols of success, New York’s social elite remains dismissive of their status and influence.
Trump has publicly lauded Lutnick’s business instincts and frequently includes him in White House activities. The president described him as possessing great business acumen, though some within the administration question whether Lutnick acts as a serious policy player or primarily fulfills Trump’s personal needs. The late-night calls seem to serve both official business purposes and Trump’s desire for casual conversation and affirmation of his public appearances.
