Billionaire cabinet member Howard Lutnick, secretary of commerce in Donald Trump's second administration, spent much of his career building wealth on Wall Street. (more) Howard Lutnick Commerce secretary in second Trump administration Written by Fred Frommer Fred Frommer is a sports historian, author, and writer who has written for a host of national publications. Fred Frommer Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Feb. 11, 2026 •History Howard Lutnick avoided death on 9/11 because he decided to take his five-year-old son to his first day of kindergarten. His younger brother and best friend were among the 658 employees of Cantor Fitzgerald, the Wall Street firm he ran, who died that day, trapped in their offices on the 101st to 105th floors of the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Lutnick’s life has been marked by unspeakable tragedy, incredible wealth, and a...

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