A court has released a purported suicide note linked to financier Jeffrey Epstein, reigniting scrutiny around his 2019 jail death. The document’s release adds fresh attention to ongoing debates, investigations, and conspiracy theories surrounding the case. Authorities and legal experts continue to examine the authenticity and implications of the files as part of broader Epstein-related disclosures.

Epstein Files: Court Releases Purported Epstein Suicide Note

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick made a blunt criticism of Canada's trading strategy during Semafor’s World Economy Summit on Friday, April 17. He was responding to a Financial Post report which featured former trade negotiator Steve Verheul, who argued that Canada should adopt a "wait-and-see" approach to USMCA negotiations. Lutnick blasted Canada, “they suck”, and it was the “worst strategy”.&nbsp;“Look, we are a $30 trillion economy, right? We are the consumers of the world,” Lutnick said. “Carney has a problem with us. He gets on a plane, and he goes to China. Does he think the Chinese economy’s going to buy his stuff? China is entirely an export-driven economy. So what did he do? He came back, and he said, ‘Oh, we’ll take their electric cars.’ I mean, is this nuts?”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-iran-talks-strait-of-hormuz-nuclear-deal-differences-1776500874880">Trump acknowledges possible remaining gaps after claiming Tehran 'agreed to everything'</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on time being on Canada&#39;s side in trade negotiations: &quot;That is like the worst strategy I&#39;ve ever heard. They suck--&quot; <a href="https://t.co/QC4pCALaPJ">pic.twitter.com/QC4pCALaPJ</a>&mdash; Scott Robertson (@sarobertsonca) <a href="https://twitter.com/sarobertsonca/status/2045225287739129995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Lutnick had been critical of the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney; the relationship between the US and Canada appears to have taken a downturn since Carney's speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He declared that the "rules-based international order" is dead and described the current era as a "rupture, not a transition".Lutnick thinks that the wait-and-watch approach is fundamentally flawed since Canada is greatly dependent on the US economy. A clarification from the US Department of Commerce claims that Lutnick was “misquoted”. “Secretary Lutnick, describing our unfair trade imbalance with Canada, explained how Canada sucks off of our $30T economy,” said a spokesperson of the department to several outlets, as reported by The Hill.This confrontation comes just before the US, Mexico and Canada must agree to renew the terms of a trade agreement Trump renegotiated in his first US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. &nbsp;Canada-US Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc remains hopeful of reaching a quick agreement.&nbsp;"I believe that we have a lot of things that the American economy needs. That's why I remain optimistic that we will get there," said LeBlanc. Trump thinks USMCA is a “bad deal” and it needs to be “reimagined”. A top US trade negotiator told Politico in December that US President Donald Trump has reportedly threatened to pull out of the deal if it does not match his demands.&nbsp;

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick criticises Canada’s trade strategy and USMCA approach, sparking tensions ahead of key US-Canada-Mexico negotiations.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick made a blunt criticism of Canada's trading strategy during Semafor’s World Economy Summit on Friday, April 17. He was responding to a Financial Post report which featured former trade negotiator Steve Verheul, who argued that Canada should adopt a "wait-and-see" approach to USMCA negotiations. Lutnick blasted Canada, “they suck”, and it was the “worst strategy”. “Look, we are a $30 trillion economy, right? We are the consumers of the world,” Lutnick said. “Carney has a problem with us. He gets on a plane, and he goes to China. Does he think the Chinese economy’s going to buy his stuff? China is entirely an export-driven economy. So what did he do? He came back, and he said, ‘Oh, we’ll take their electric cars.’ I mean, is this nuts?” Also Read: Trump acknowledges possible remaining gaps after claiming Tehran 'agreed to everything'

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick criticises Canada’s trade strategy and USMCA approach, sparking tensions ahead of key US-Canada-Mexico negotiations.

US Commerce Secretary Lutnick criticises Canada’s trade strategy of wait and watch - 'They suck'

US President Donald Trump's top aide, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has finally agreed to testify about his friendship with sex offender, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein before Congress. Lutnick's whose photographs hanging out on Epstein's "paedophile island" made headlines recently has agreed to testify in front of House Oversight Committee, revealed James Comer, the chairman of the committee on Tuesday (Mar 3).Aso read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosive-epstein-files-accuse-trump-of-raping-13-year-old-murdering-a-new-born-white-house-says-this-about-allegations-1769823565436">Explosive Epstein files accuse Trump of raping 13-year-old, murdering a newborn; White House says THIS about allegations</a><h2>Lutnick will testify but conditions apply</h2>According to reports, Lutnick only agreed to testify behind closed doors after Republican Representative Nancy Mace threatened to subpoena him."Secretary Lutnick has proactively agreed to appear voluntarily before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform," Republican chairman James Comer said in a statement. However, when will Lutnick do so remains unclear as a date is yet to be announced.Talking to Axios, Trump's commerce secretary said, "I look forward to appearing before the committee." He asserted that he had "nothing wrong, and I want to set the record straight."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-i-loved-the-torture-video-recipient-of-horrifying-epstein-email-finally-identified-doj-epstein-files-release-1770782784202">‘I loved the torture video’: Recipient of horrifying Epstein email FINALLY identified</a><h2>How close were Lutnick and Epstein?</h2>Lutnick, a billionaire former New York financier, has earlier claimed that he was not friends with the disgraced financier. Appearing in a podcast last year, he claimed that in 2005 he gave Epstein a house tour which left him disturbed. Lutnick stated that following this, he and his wife decided that he would "never be in the room with that disgusting person, ever again…So I was never in the room with him socially, for business or even philanthropy," he said.However, the recently released Epstein Files revealed that Lutnick and Epstein traded emails well beyond 2005, including after Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008.In 2012, Lutnick even had plans to meet Epstein for lunch on Little Saint James, notoriously known as "Epstein Island." After being caught in a lie, last month, Lutnick confirmed that he did, in fact, meet Jeffrey Epstein on the Caribbean island, but claimed that his family was with him and that he saw nothing untoward on 'Epstein Island'. &nbsp;

Why has Trump’s commerce secretary suddenly agreed to testify about Jeffrey Epstein? Howard Lutnick will appear before Congress after pressure from lawmakers over photos and emails linked to Epstein.

Scroll down to read more.

US President Donald Trump's top aide, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has finally agreed to testify about his friendship with sex offender, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein before Congress. Lutnick's whose photographs hanging out on Epstein's "paedophile island" made headlines recently has agreed to testify in front of House Oversight Committee, revealed James Comer, the chairman of the committee on Tuesday (Mar 3). Aso read | Explosive Epstein files accuse Trump of raping 13-year-old, murdering a newborn; White House says THIS about allegations Lutnick will testify but conditions apply According to reports, Lutnick only agreed to testify behind closed doors after Republican Representative Nancy Mace threatened to subpoena him. "Secretary Lutnick has proactively agreed to appear voluntarily before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform," Republican chairman James Comer said in a statement. However, when will Lutnick do so remains unclear as a date is yet to be announced. Talking to Axios, Trump's commerce secretary said, "I look forward to appearing before the committee." He asserted that he had "nothing wrong, and I want to set the record straight." Also read | ‘I loved the torture video’: Recipient of horrifying Epstein email FINALLY identified How close were Lutnick and Epstein? Lutnick, a billionaire former New York financier, has earlier claimed that he was not friends with the disgraced financier. Appearing in a podcast last year, he claimed that in 2005 he gave Epstein a house tour which left him disturbed. Lutnick stated that following this, he and his wife decided that he would "never be in the room with that disgusting person, ever again…So I was never in the room with him socially, for business or even philanthropy," he said. However, the recently released Epstein Files revealed that Lutnick and Epstein traded emails well beyond 2005, including after Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008. In 2012, Lutnick even had plans to meet Epstein for lunch on Little Saint James, notoriously known as "Epstein Island." After being caught in a lie, last month, Lutnick confirmed that he did, in fact, meet Jeffrey Epstein on the Caribbean island, but claimed that his family was with him and that he saw nothing untoward on 'Epstein Island'.

Why has Trump’s commerce secretary suddenly agreed to testify about Jeffrey Epstein? Howard Lutnick will appear before Congress after pressure from lawmakers over photos and emails linked to Epstein.Scroll down to read more.

After subpoena threats, Howard Lutnick agrees to face House Committee over 'Epstein Island' links

The Ministry of External Affairs, in its weekly media briefing on Friday (January 9), stated that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to US President Donald Trump eight times in 2025, amid strained New Delhi-Washington ties over the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and tariffs. While the statement was not directly in reply to the claims made by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick that US-India FTA negotiations were not moving forward because 'PM Modi didn't call President Trump', it seemed in that context. &nbsp;“We have seen the remarks. India and the US were committed to negotiating a bilateral trade agreement as far back as February 13, 2025. Since then, the two sides have held multiple rounds of negotiations to arrive at a balanced and mutually beneficial trade agreement. On several occasions, we have been close to a deal. The characterisation of these discussions in the reported remarks is not accurate," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told the reporters.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonamarg-transforms-into-winter-paradise-as-kashmir-tourism-bounces-back-1767960350503">Sonamarg transforms into winter paradise as Kashmir tourism bounces back</a>&nbsp;The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, said that Modi and Trump spoke over the phone eight times last year, discussing a wide range of topics. "We remain interested in a mutually beneficial trade deal between the two complementary economies. We look forward to concluding it. Incidentally, Prime Minister and President Trump have also spoken on the phone on 8 occasions during 2025, covering different aspects of our wide-ranging partnership,” MEA spokesperson further said.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ed-vs-mamata-banerjee-west-bengal-cm-leads-rally-in-kolkata-against-ed-action-1767960352355/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/ed-vs-mamata-banerjee-west-bengal-cm-leads-rally-in-kolkata-against-ed-action-1767960352355/embed</a>&nbsp;Speaking on Chamath Palihapitiya’s All In podcast on Thursday (January 8), Lutnick said that he had suggested Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally reach out to Donald Trump to finalise the agreement. According to him, New Delhi was reluctant to take that step, and as a result, “so Modi didn't call”. He added that while the US has already finished trade agreements with Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, he had expected India’s deal to be wrapped up even earlier. Explaining the sequencing, Lutnick said, “We did Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and we announced a whole bunch of deals. So we did this whole bunch of deals because we negotiated them and assumed India was going to be done before them. I have negotiated them at a higher rate.”

MEA on Friday (January 9) said PM Modi and Trump spoke eight times in 2025, rejecting US claims talks stalled as the Indian PM didn’t call

The Ministry of External Affairs, in its weekly media briefing on Friday (January 9), stated that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to US President Donald Trump eight times in 2025, amid strained New Delhi-Washington ties over the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and tariffs. While the statement was not directly in reply to the claims made by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick that US-India FTA negotiations were not moving forward because 'PM Modi didn't call President Trump', it seemed in that context. “We have seen the remarks. India and the US were committed to negotiating a bilateral trade agreement as far back as February 13, 2025. Since then, the two sides have held multiple rounds of negotiations to arrive at a balanced and mutually beneficial trade agreement. On several occasions, we have been close to a deal. The characterisation of these discussions in the reported remarks is not accurate," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told the reporters. Also Read: Sonamarg transforms into winter paradise as Kashmir tourism bounces back The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, said that Modi and Trump spoke over the phone eight times last year, discussing a wide range of topics. "We remain interested in a mutually beneficial trade deal between the two complementary economies. We look forward to concluding it. Incidentally, Prime Minister and President Trump have also spoken on the phone on 8 occasions during 2025, covering different aspects of our wide-ranging partnership,” MEA spokesperson further said. https://www.wionews.com/videos/ed-vs-mamata-banerjee-west-bengal-cm-leads-rally-in-kolkata-against-ed-action-1767960352355/embed Speaking on Chamath Palihapitiya’s All In podcast on Thursday (January 8), Lutnick said that he had suggested Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally reach out to Donald Trump to finalise the agreement. According to him, New Delhi was reluctant to take that step, and as a result, “so Modi didn't call”. He added that while the US has already finished trade agreements with Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, he had expected India’s deal to be wrapped up even earlier. Explaining the sequencing, Lutnick said, “We did Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and we announced a whole bunch of deals. So we did this whole bunch of deals because we negotiated them and assumed India was going to be done before them. I have negotiated them at a higher rate.”

MEA on Friday (January 9) said PM Modi and Trump spoke eight times in 2025, rejecting US claims talks stalled as the Indian PM didn’t call

'Modi, Trump spoke 8 times last year': MEA counters US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick claims over India-US trade talks

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick added to the uncertainty over President Donald Trump&rsquo;s tariff plans on Sunday, making it clear that the recent break for tech companies is only temporary.
Speaking on ABC&rsquo;s This Week, Lutnick said that electronics like smartphones and laptops, recently exempted from the administration&rsquo;s reciprocal tariffs on Chinese imports, will soon fall under a new round of levies, this time called "semiconductor tariffs."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-demands-us-completely-cancel-trumps-reciprocal-tariffs-after-electronics-exemption-8957954" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Correct your mistakes': China demands US &lsquo;completely cancel&rsquo; Trump&rsquo;s reciprocal tariffs after electronics exemption</a>
&ldquo;All those products are going to come under semiconductors,&rdquo; Lutnick said, adding they will face &ldquo;a special focus type of tariff&rdquo; aimed at reshoring production. &ldquo;We need to have semiconductors, we need to have chips, and we need to have flat panels&hellip; We can&rsquo;t be reliant on Southeast Asia for all of the things that operate for us,&rdquo; he added.
According to Lutnick, these new tariffs could be implemented &ldquo;probably a month or two&rdquo; from now. While tech companies were given a short-term break, the Commerce Secretary stressed that it&rsquo;s not a permanent deal.
On Friday night, US Customs and Border Protection issued a notice that several high-demand electronics, smartphones, computers, solar cells, flat-panel displays and semiconductor-based storage devices would not be subject to either the steep reciprocal tariffs on Chinese goods or the 10% baseline tariffs applied more broadly.
But on Sunday, Lutnick made clear that this was only a pause. He said the White House wants to use tariffs as a way to drive the semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries back to the US.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/capitol-riot-trumps-jan-6-patriots-may-get-refund-for-damage-they-caused-8958446" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Capitol riot with money-back guarantee? Trump&rsquo;s Jan. 6 &lsquo;patriots&rsquo; may get refund for damage they caused</a>
&ldquo;We can&rsquo;t be beholden and rely upon foreign countries for fundamental things that we need,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;So this is not like a permanent sort of exemption&hellip; These are things that are national security that we need to be made in America.&rdquo;
<h2>Lutnick declined to defend VP Vance&rsquo;s &ldquo;peasants&rdquo; remark</h2>
The interview also touched on recent controversial comments from Vice President JD Vance, who last week referred to Chinese workers as &ldquo;peasants&rdquo; during a Fox &amp; Friends appearance.
&ldquo;We borrow money from Chinese peasants to buy the things those Chinese peasants manufacture,&rdquo; Vance said. His comment drew criticism from Chinese officials, who labelled the statement &ldquo;ignorant and impolite.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-teen-kills-parents-to-fund-trump-assassination-plot-and-bring-in-some-chaos-8957670" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Getting rid of the president': US teen kills parents to fund Trump assassination plot and &lsquo;bring in some chaos&rsquo;</a>
When asked about the remark, Lutnick declined to defend or clarify Vance&rsquo;s words.
&ldquo;No, I&rsquo;m just going to step back and really just leave the vice president to let him defend himself,&rdquo; he told host Jonathan Karl. &ldquo;He knows what he meant," he added.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the White House wants to use tariffs as a way to drive the semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries back to the US.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick added to the uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s tariff plans on Sunday, making it clear that the recent break for tech companies is only temporary. Speaking on ABC’s This Week, Lutnick said that electronics like smartphones and laptops, recently exempted from the administration’s reciprocal tariffs on Chinese imports, will soon fall under a new round of levies, this time called "semiconductor tariffs." Also read: 'Correct your mistakes': China demands US ‘completely cancel’ Trump’s reciprocal tariffs after electronics exemption “All those products are going to come under semiconductors,” Lutnick said, adding they will face “a special focus type of tariff” aimed at reshoring production. “We need to have semiconductors, we need to have chips, and we need to have flat panels… We can’t be reliant on Southeast Asia for all of the things that operate for us,” he added. According to Lutnick, these new tariffs could be implemented “probably a month or two” from now. While tech companies were given a short-term break, the Commerce Secretary stressed that it’s not a permanent deal. On Friday night, US Customs and Border Protection issued a notice that several high-demand electronics, smartphones, computers, solar cells, flat-panel displays and semiconductor-based storage devices would not be subject to either the steep reciprocal tariffs on Chinese goods or the 10% baseline tariffs applied more broadly. But on Sunday, Lutnick made clear that this was only a pause. He said the White House wants to use tariffs as a way to drive the semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries back to the US. Also read: Capitol riot with money-back guarantee? Trump’s Jan. 6 ‘patriots’ may get refund for damage they caused “We can’t be beholden and rely upon foreign countries for fundamental things that we need,” he said. “So this is not like a permanent sort of exemption… These are things that are national security that we need to be made in America.” Lutnick declined to defend VP Vance’s “peasants” remark The interview also touched on recent controversial comments from Vice President JD Vance, who last week referred to Chinese workers as “peasants” during a Fox & Friends appearance. “We borrow money from Chinese peasants to buy the things those Chinese peasants manufacture,” Vance said. His comment drew criticism from Chinese officials, who labelled the statement “ignorant and impolite.” Also read: 'Getting rid of the president': US teen kills parents to fund Trump assassination plot and ‘bring in some chaos’ When asked about the remark, Lutnick declined to defend or clarify Vance’s words. “No, I’m just going to step back and really just leave the vice president to let him defend himself,” he told host Jonathan Karl. “He knows what he meant," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Tariffs paused, not canceled: Trump’s tech exemption is 'temporary'; new semiconductor tariffs coming 'in a month or two'

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-just-rare-earth-minerals-but-ukraine-us-talks-on-new-minerals-deal-next-week-heres-what-trump-wants-now-8933048" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Donald Trump</a> has no plans to delay his latest round of tariffs despite mounting financial chaos across the world, according to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. 
Speaking on CBS&rsquo;s Face the Nation on Sunday, Lutnick said, &ldquo;There is no postponing, they are definitely going to stay in place for days and weeks. That is sort of obvious.&rdquo;
Lutnick defended the administration&rsquo;s decision, insisting, &ldquo;The president needs to reset global trade.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-falsely-accused-of-trying-to-kill-trump-vem-miller-files-100m-lawsuit-8932827" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;Destroyed my life&rsquo;: Man falsely accused of trying to kill Trump says he's now &lsquo;undateable&rsquo;, files $100M lawsuit</a>
<h2>Trump tariff's Penguins saga</h2>
The interview took an unexpected turn when host Margaret Brennan pressed Lutnick on why had Trump slapped tariffs on the Heard and McDonald Islands, an uninhabited Australian territory near Antarctica, home only to penguins and seals?
&ldquo;When we saw the president stand in the Rose Garden holding up that chart that you helped make &mdash; that wasn&rsquo;t actually tariffs,&rdquo; Brennan pointed out. 
&ldquo;That was actually confusing to investors because it was some kind of other formula, and the countries themselves seemed kind of random,&rdquo; she said.
She then asked, &ldquo;Why are the Heard and McDonald Islands, which don&rsquo;t export to the United States and are quite literally inhabited by penguins, why do they face 10% tariffs? Did you use AI to generate this?&rdquo;
Lutnick laughed off the suggestion, replying, &ldquo;No!&rdquo;
<h2>Lutnick: "No loopholes &mdash; Not even for penguins"</h2>
Lutnick said, &ldquo;Because the idea, what happens is if you leave anything off the list, the countries that try to basically arbitrage America go through those countries to us.&rdquo;
He continued, &ldquo;The president knows that. He&rsquo;s tired of it, and he&rsquo;s going to fix that. So basically, he said look, I can&rsquo;t let any part of the world be a place where China or other countries can ship through them. So he ended those loopholes, these ridiculous loopholes.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-tariffs-over-50-countries-rush-to-negotiate-with-us-8932708" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Falling in line after Trump&rsquo;s tariffs? Over 50 countries rush to negotiate with US - Who are they?</a>
<h2>Market meltdown over Trump tariffs</h2>
Trump&rsquo;s tariff announcement on Wednesday, which included a 10% blanket levy on all imports and even steeper charges for certain nations, such as a 34% tariff on Chinese goods, has sent global markets into a downward spiral.
More than $6 trillion was wiped off stock markets following the announcement, sparking calls for the administration to pause or reconsider the plan to allow breathing room for new trade negotiations.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iphones-fault-how-atlantic-editor-got-added-in-signals-houthi-war-chat-who-should-be-blamed-waltz-trump-or-apple-8932804" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">iPhone's fault? How Atlantic editor got added in Signal's Houthi war chat - Who should be blamed: Waltz, Trump or Apple?</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Lutnick said, “Because the idea, what happens is if you leave anything off the list, the countries that try to basically arbitrage America go through those countries to us.”

US President Donald Trump has no plans to delay his latest round of tariffs despite mounting financial chaos across the world, according to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Speaking on CBS’s Face the Nation on Sunday, Lutnick said, “There is no postponing, they are definitely going to stay in place for days and weeks. That is sort of obvious.” Lutnick defended the administration’s decision, insisting, “The president needs to reset global trade.” Also read: ‘Destroyed my life’: Man falsely accused of trying to kill Trump says he's now ‘undateable’, files $100M lawsuit Trump tariff's Penguins saga The interview took an unexpected turn when host Margaret Brennan pressed Lutnick on why had Trump slapped tariffs on the Heard and McDonald Islands, an uninhabited Australian territory near Antarctica, home only to penguins and seals? “When we saw the president stand in the Rose Garden holding up that chart that you helped make — that wasn’t actually tariffs,” Brennan pointed out. “That was actually confusing to investors because it was some kind of other formula, and the countries themselves seemed kind of random,” she said. She then asked, “Why are the Heard and McDonald Islands, which don’t export to the United States and are quite literally inhabited by penguins, why do they face 10% tariffs? Did you use AI to generate this?” Lutnick laughed off the suggestion, replying, “No!” Lutnick: "No loopholes — Not even for penguins" Lutnick said, “Because the idea, what happens is if you leave anything off the list, the countries that try to basically arbitrage America go through those countries to us.” He continued, “The president knows that. He’s tired of it, and he’s going to fix that. So basically, he said look, I can’t let any part of the world be a place where China or other countries can ship through them. So he ended those loopholes, these ridiculous loopholes.” Also read: Falling in line after Trump’s tariffs? Over 50 countries rush to negotiate with US - Who are they? Market meltdown over Trump tariffs Trump’s tariff announcement on Wednesday, which included a 10% blanket levy on all imports and even steeper charges for certain nations, such as a 34% tariff on Chinese goods, has sent global markets into a downward spiral. More than $6 trillion was wiped off stock markets following the announcement, sparking calls for the administration to pause or reconsider the plan to allow breathing room for new trade negotiations. Also read: iPhone's fault? How Atlantic editor got added in Signal's Houthi war chat - Who should be blamed: Waltz, Trump or Apple? (With inputs from agencies)

'Did you use AI?' Trump’s Commerce Secretary gives BIZZARE reason for slapping tariffs on penguins: Here’s why Trump did it

Is a private equity billionaire going to be the treasury secretary of the US, one of the most important cabinet positions yet to be filled by incoming president Donald Trump?

Marc Rowan, the CEO of Appolo Global Management Inc, is a top contender for the post that has massive implications for US financial and economic policy affecting the nation and rest of the world, according to various media reports.

Watch: What Trump 2.0 Means For India | GRAVITAS

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Rowan, 62, has gone to Florida from his base in Hong Kong, and is set to meet Trump on Wednesday (Nov 20) to make his case for the job, the Financial Times reported.

According to the British newspaper, Rowan has the support of several Trump donors.

Other top names for the job include hedge fund investor Scott Bessent, former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh and Tennessee Senator Bill Hagerty.

Trump will interview both Rowan and Warsh on Wednesday, Bloomberg news agency reported citing sources.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/office-for-profit-how-trumps-return-will-add-to-his-wealth-and-raise-ethical-questions-777315">Also read: Office for profit: How Trump's return will add to his wealth and raise ethical questions&nbsp;</a> 
 
Trump tapped another billionaire, Howard Lutnick from the investment firm Cantor Fitzgerald, as commerce secretary on Tuesday.

Rowan, a Wharton School of Business graduate, was part of the team that adviced Trump during the early stages of Covid pandemic that hit the US at the fag end of his first term.

Rowan's&nbsp;investment firm Apollo Global Management has assets under management worth over $700 billion.

According to a report in Times of Israel, Rowan was an ardent critic of antisemitism in US educational institutions in the wake of Gaza war after Israel was attacked by Hamas terroists last October.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-20-cabinet-brendan-carr-to-be-chairperson-of-federal-communications-commission-776955">Also read: Trump 2.0 cabinet: Brendan Carr to be chairperson of Federal Communications Commission</a>

Financial industry veterans becoming treasury secretary is nothing new in the 'revolving door' of industry-government jobs of the US.&nbsp;

If Rowan is named by Trump and approved by Senate, he will have influence over the $24 trillion private equity market, said a report on Fortune magazine.

(With inputs from agencies)

Is a private equity billionaire going to be the treasury secretary of the US, one of the most important cabinet positions yet to be filled by incoming president Donald Trump?

Is a private equity billionaire going to be the treasury secretary of the US, one of the most important cabinet positions yet to be filled by incoming president Donald Trump? Marc Rowan, the CEO of Appolo Global Management Inc, is a top contender for the post that has massive implications for US financial and economic policy affecting the nation and rest of the world, according to various media reports. Watch: What Trump 2.0 Means For India | GRAVITAS × Rowan, 62, has gone to Florida from his base in Hong Kong, and is set to meet Trump on Wednesday (Nov 20) to make his case for the job, the Financial Times reported. According to the British newspaper, Rowan has the support of several Trump donors. Other top names for the job include hedge fund investor Scott Bessent, former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh and Tennessee Senator Bill Hagerty. Trump will interview both Rowan and Warsh on Wednesday, Bloomberg news agency reported citing sources. Also read: Office for profit: How Trump's return will add to his wealth and raise ethical questions Trump tapped another billionaire, Howard Lutnick from the investment firm Cantor Fitzgerald, as commerce secretary on Tuesday. Rowan, a Wharton School of Business graduate, was part of the team that adviced Trump during the early stages of Covid pandemic that hit the US at the fag end of his first term. Rowan's investment firm Apollo Global Management has assets under management worth over $700 billion. According to a report in Times of Israel, Rowan was an ardent critic of antisemitism in US educational institutions in the wake of Gaza war after Israel was attacked by Hamas terroists last October. Also read: Trump 2.0 cabinet: Brendan Carr to be chairperson of Federal Communications Commission Financial industry veterans becoming treasury secretary is nothing new in the 'revolving door' of industry-government jobs of the US. If Rowan is named by Trump and approved by Senate, he will have influence over the $24 trillion private equity market, said a report on Fortune magazine. (With inputs from agencies)

Another billionaire in Team Trump 2.0? Marc Rowan a top contender for treasury secretary

US President-elect Donald Trump nominated Howard Lutnick, the co-chair of his transition team, as his commerce secretary on Tuesday – a choice set to bring a tougher stance on China from the incoming administration.

Lutnick will also lead the country's tariff and trade agenda, with "additional direct responsibility for the Office of the United States Trade Representative," Trump said in a statement.

Tariffs are a key part of Trump's economic agenda, and he has promised sweeping duties on all imports when he returns to the White House.

Lutnick is chief executive of financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald, and a Trump ally originally tipped as a frontrunner for treasury secretary.

But he was instead named to helm Commerce, a smaller department that works to boost US industry and has a key role in policy to shore up the US semiconductor sector and reduce reliance on Asia.

Under President Joe Biden, the Commerce Department stepped up export controls on critical technologies like quantum computing and semiconductor manufacturing goods, taking aim at access by adversaries like Beijing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trumps-another-stint-at-the-white-house-brings-hope-for-wall-street-777584">Trump's another stint at the White House brings hope for Wall Street</a>

Trump's administration could harden this stance.

Lutnick has, during the US election campaign, expressed support for a tariff level of 60 percent on Chinese goods, alongside a 10 per cent tariff on all imports.

Both are among proposals that Trump has floated, with the Republican taking aim at countries which have been "ripping us off for years."

Lutnick also previously lamented the loss of manufacturing jobs in the United States and offshoring to China.

"I'm all in with Donald Trump," Lutnick told podcaster Anthony Pompliano last month.

In the same interview, he slammed electric cars as "coastal elite nonsense" and blamed China for being the source of fentanyl in the United States.

The deadly drug, many times more powerful than heroin, is responsible for tens of thousands of overdose deaths a year.

"China is attacking America from its guts," he charged.

<h2>Crypto support</h2>

Lutnick was initially tipped to head the Treasury Department but a tussle over the position spilled into the public eye last weekend.

Trump's health secretary pick Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed support for Lutnick, saying on social media that "Bitcoin will have no stronger advocate" than him.

The world's richest man Elon Musk also threw his support behind Lutnick for Treasury chief while calling the other top contender, hedge fund manager Scott Bessent, "a business-as-usual choice."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/americans-unhappy-with-trumps-win-can-buy-dirt-cheap-homes-on-this-tiny-italian-island-777541">Americans 'unhappy' with Trump's win can buy dirt-cheap homes on this tiny Italian island</a>

"Business-as-usual is driving America bankrupt, so we need change one way or another," said Musk, who Trump has tapped to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency, on social media.

Besides Cantor Fitzgerald, Lutnick heads financial technology firm BGC Group and real estate services firm Newmark Group.

He graduated from Haverford College and has a degree in economics, according to his biography on Cantor's website.

As co-chair of Trump's transition team, Lutnick has been identifying new hires for the president-elect's administration.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US President-elect Donald Trump nominated Howard Lutnick, the co-chair of his transition team, as his commerce secretary on Tuesday – a choice set to bring a tougher stance on China from the incoming administration.

US President-elect Donald Trump nominated Howard Lutnick, the co-chair of his transition team, as his commerce secretary on Tuesday – a choice set to bring a tougher stance on China from the incoming administration. Lutnick will also lead the country's tariff and trade agenda, with "additional direct responsibility for the Office of the United States Trade Representative," Trump said in a statement. Tariffs are a key part of Trump's economic agenda, and he has promised sweeping duties on all imports when he returns to the White House. Lutnick is chief executive of financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald, and a Trump ally originally tipped as a frontrunner for treasury secretary. But he was instead named to helm Commerce, a smaller department that works to boost US industry and has a key role in policy to shore up the US semiconductor sector and reduce reliance on Asia. Under President Joe Biden, the Commerce Department stepped up export controls on critical technologies like quantum computing and semiconductor manufacturing goods, taking aim at access by adversaries like Beijing. Also read | Trump's another stint at the White House brings hope for Wall Street Trump's administration could harden this stance. Lutnick has, during the US election campaign, expressed support for a tariff level of 60 percent on Chinese goods, alongside a 10 per cent tariff on all imports. Both are among proposals that Trump has floated, with the Republican taking aim at countries which have been "ripping us off for years." Lutnick also previously lamented the loss of manufacturing jobs in the United States and offshoring to China. "I'm all in with Donald Trump," Lutnick told podcaster Anthony Pompliano last month. In the same interview, he slammed electric cars as "coastal elite nonsense" and blamed China for being the source of fentanyl in the United States. The deadly drug, many times more powerful than heroin, is responsible for tens of thousands of overdose deaths a year. "China is attacking America from its guts," he charged. Crypto support Lutnick was initially tipped to head the Treasury Department but a tussle over the position spilled into the public eye last weekend. Trump's health secretary pick Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed support for Lutnick, saying on social media that "Bitcoin will have no stronger advocate" than him. The world's richest man Elon Musk also threw his support behind Lutnick for Treasury chief while calling the other top contender, hedge fund manager Scott Bessent, "a business-as-usual choice." Also read | Americans 'unhappy' with Trump's win can buy dirt-cheap homes on this tiny Italian island "Business-as-usual is driving America bankrupt, so we need change one way or another," said Musk, who Trump has tapped to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency, on social media. Besides Cantor Fitzgerald, Lutnick heads financial technology firm BGC Group and real estate services firm Newmark Group. He graduated from Haverford College and has a degree in economics, according to his biography on Cantor's website. As co-chair of Trump's transition team, Lutnick has been identifying new hires for the president-elect's administration. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Trump appoints Wall Street investor Howard Lutnick as US commerce secretary

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Trump appoints Wall Street investor Howard Lutnick as US commerce secretary