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. Continue Reading What Commerce Secretary Nominee Howard Lutnick’s Confirmation Hearing Tells us about Technology Policy in the Trump Administration