Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s demands during a recent Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump, calling them “ridiculous” and warning that the U.S. would not finance Ukraine without a peace proposal. The remarks followed a tense exchange where Zelenskyy reportedly refused to compromise, insisting on $300 billion in reparations from Russia and U.S. security guarantees while continuing hostilities[1][9]. Lutnick emphasized that Trump’s patience wore thin because Zelenskyy “was not there for peace” and instead pushed a “fictional deal” risking World War III[9]. This clash led Trump to abruptly end the meeting, later stating Zelenskyy could return “when he’s ready for peace”[1][9].
On trade policy, Lutnick defended Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy, dismissing claims that tariffs fuel inflation as “nonsense”[4][8]. He advocated for to pressure nations like China and Europe into lowering trade barriers, arguing the U.S. is “treated horribly” in global markets[4][6]. Under his leadership, the Commerce Department recently implemented a 25% tariff on most imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% levy on Chinese goods, with exemptions for Canadian energy resources[3][7]. Lutnick aims to simplify tariff enforcement, criticizing previous exclusion processes as overly bureaucratic[4][6].
Lutnick’s confirmation as Commerce Secretary (51-45 Senate vote) positions him to oversee Trump’s broader economic agenda, including renegotiating trade deals and scrutinizing semiconductor subsidies under the CHIPS Act[2][6]. Despite bipartisan criticism, he maintains that tariffs will strengthen U.S. industries and force trading partners to respect American exports[6][8]. The administration argues these measures will drive economic growth by repatriating manufacturing and securing favorable terms in international agreements[3][8].
