U.S. Secretary of Commerce nominee Howard Lutnick delivered a detailed preview of what to expect from the Trump Administration on key issues around technology, trade, and intellectual property. At his nomination hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, January 29, Lutnick faced questions from senators about the future of the CHIPS and Science Act, global trade, and particularly U.S. technological competition with China, including export controls and artificial intelligence after the release of China’s AI model “DeepSeek.” Lutnick, who was introduced by Vice President J.D. Vance, committed to implementing the Trump Administration’s America First agenda.
If confirmed, Lutnick will lead the Commerce Department’s vast policy portfolio, including export controls for emerging technologies, broadband spectrum access and deployment, AI innovation, and climate and weather issues through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA”). In his responses to senators’ questions, Lutnick emphasized his pro-business approach and his intent to implement President Trump’s policy objectives including bringing manufacturing—particularly of semiconductors—back to the United States and establishing “reciprocity” with China in response to what he called “unfair” treatment of U.S. businesses.
Technology Competition with China, Export Controls, and Intellectual Property
Senators on both sides of the aisle asked Lutnick about the threat of Chinese competition in emerging technologies, such as AI. Lutnick stated that it is evident the Chinese used “stolen” and “leveraged” U.S. technologies to develop DeepSeek and that the United States needs to stop China from “using our tools to compete with us.”
Lutnick noted that China has found ways to evade U.S. export controls and that, under his direction, the Commerce Department will reinforce these controls with punitive tariffs to ensure compliance. Lutnick also criticized the Chinese for refusing to respect U.S. innovators’ IP in China, stating that the Chinese should expect the same treatment in the United States under a new policy of “reciprocity.” As Commerce Secretary, Lutnick will oversee the Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”), which he noted will carry out the Trump Administration’s America First agenda, including by preventing the Chinese from “abusing” the U.S. patent system. In response to questioning from Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Lutnick also stated that he would work to reduce the backlog of patent applications pending at the USPTO.
Artificial Intelligence Standards
Lutnick expressed optimism about the future of U.S. innovation in AI and stated his support for a “light touch” regulatory model to allow U.S. AI innovators to flourish and establish global dominance. Lutnick believes the United States should set AI standards for the world will follow, as the government did by instituting the now globally-adopted U.S. cybersecurity standards. Lutnick stated these standards “will encourage [the] private sector to be the dominant winner.” In response to senators’ questions about the National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”), Lutnick called NIST the “central hub of knowledge of the American government” and shared his excitement to support NIST’s standards work.
Global Trade
In response to significant challenges from Republican and Democratic senators, Lutnick demonstrated his intention to implement President Trump’s tariff agenda. He said that the United States—especially its farmers, ranchers, and fishers—are being treated poorly in global trade and that tariffs are an important way to protect American businesses and create “reciprocity” between the United States and its trading partners. Lutnick said that tariffs on Chinese goods and services should be the highest priority for the Trump administration and that tariffs would be vital in bringing semiconductor and pharmaceutical manufacturing back to the United States.
Broadband Spectrum Access
Multiple senators asked Lutnick about the Commerce Department’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (“BEAD”) Program to expand high-speed Internet access across the country. Lutnick agreed with senators’ concerns that the BEAD program had yet to be fully implemented and committed to implementing the program in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Lutnick criticized the Biden Administration for not delivering broadband under the program and highlighted the importance of U.S. leadership in 5G/6G wireless technologies and the need to expand commercial access to mid-band wireless spectrum.
CHIPS and Science Act and Semiconductor Manufacturing Despite President Trump’s frequent criticism of the CHIPS and Science Act and promises to defund the law, Lutnick called the CHIPS Act an “excellent down payment” towards the important goal of bringing semiconductor manufacturing back to the United States. Lutnick emphasized that where Congress has appropriated funds to the Commerce Department he will ensure Congress receives “the benefit of the bargain,” but indicated the Department would review CHIPS Act spending carefully in accordance with President Trump’s directives on federal funding. However, Lutnick did not commit to fully implement the CHIPS Act in all respects: in response to questioning from Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), he stated that if directed to suspend funding for certain programs, even if appropriated by Congress, “I work for the President.”