Senate Confirms President Trump’s Pick To Lead Key Agency With Vote Of 51-45

Even as most Senate Democrats instinctively oppose any nominee put forward by President Donald Trump, there has been a glimmer of bipartisanship from time to time since confirmation hearings began last month.

I’m still hearing Senator Fetterman as the voice of reason for those that were real Democrats. He knows nothing will be accomplished unless we’re able to listen and agree on those principles that are good for America. He’s been open to schedule meetings with any of Trump’s… pic.twitter.com/RBspY9E7Bk

— Victoria 🇺🇸⏳🗽🚔 (@Loveof1776) January 18, 2025

When Howard Lutnick, Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Commerce, came up for a vote on Capitol Hill this week, his confirmation sailed through the narrowly divided chamber by a relatively decisive six-vote margin.

🇺🇸 @HowardLutnick’s confirmation as Commerce Secretary highlights President Trump’s commitment to unleashing economic growth, strengthening American businesses, and putting America first in global trade.

MAKE AMERICA PROSPEROUS AGAIN! pic.twitter.com/BHZ7J6H0Q2

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 19, 2025

Fox News provided some context to Tuesday’s senate vote:

Lutnick, chair and CEO of investment firm Cantor Fitzgerald, is one of the wealthiest people to serve in a presidential administration. Lutnick vowed to divest his financial interests upon confirmation to remain impartial.

“My plan is to only serve the American people. So I will divest, meaning I will sell all of my interests, all of my business interests, all of my assets, everything,” Lutnick said. “I’ve worked together with the Office of Government Ethics, and we’ve reached agreement on how to do that, and I will be divesting within 90 days upon my confirmation.”

During his confirmation hearing on Jan. 29, Lutnick said he would sell his businesses and elect someone else to lead them once confirmed. Lutnick aligned closely with Trump’s trade and tariff policies during the hearing. He said it’s “nonsense” that tariffs create inflation and advocated for reciprocity.

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His policy opinions have made him a popular pick among many Trump-supporting Americans:

👀🚨BREAKING: The Senate just voted to confirm Howard Lutnick as Commerce Secretary.

Lutnick supports eliminating the income tax & funding the government using tariffs.

This is a HUGE confirmation:

— Derrick Evans (@DerrickEvans4WV) February 18, 2025

🚨 #BREAKING: Howard Lutnick has officially been confirmed as President Trump’s Secretary of Commerce

Lutnick will work with Trump on making sure NOBODY takes advantage of the United States in trade.

Congratulations, Secretary Lutnick! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/amrFXJIUTm

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) February 18, 2025

One 9/11-related aspect of his personal life has also driven some of the coverage surrounding his confirmation:

JUST IN: Senate has confirmed Howard Lutnick as Commerce Secretary, 51 to 45.

Lutnick lost over 650 friends, family members & employees in the attack on the World Trade Center on Sept 11, 2001.

This is one of the most powerful stories you'll ever hear.pic.twitter.com/qLvS79f5A4

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 18, 2025

Politico addressed that chapter of his life in its report on the Senate vote:

Lawmakers voted 51-45 to confirm Lutnick, who rebuilt the financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and co-chaired Trump’s 2024 transition team.

He will now be in place to oversee the agency tasked with bolstering economic growth and a slew of subagencies including the Census Bureau, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Lutnick has said he plans to bolster American innovation in artificial intelligence and help the U.S. compete with China in technology innovations. And he has spoken of the need to ramp up broadband access around the country.

He also has embraced Trump’s tariff strategy to boost American industry, a plan that most Republicans have welcomed despite some reservations over potential cost increases for consumers. Democrats hammered Lutnick and the Trump administration throughout the confirmation process for heavily relying on tariffs, saying they would raise prices.

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Here’s a clip of Lutnick’s remarks at a Trump rally shortly before Election Day: