The Senate Commerce Committee has commenced a hearing to consider the nomination of U.S. businessman Howard Lutnick to lead the Commerce Department. Lutnick, a prominent fundraiser and longtime associate of President Donald Trump, is known for his advocacy of tariffs. If confirmed, he will be responsible for overseeing the agency's response to the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in China, particularly in light of the emergence of the AI model DeepSeek.
President Trump recently announced plans to impose tariffs on semiconductors, a move that aligns with Lutnick's stance on trade policies. During the hearing, Lutnick is expected to field inquiries from Democratic lawmakers regarding his business dealings. In a bid to address potential conflicts of interest, Lutnick has committed to divesting from his primary business interests, including those held by his spouse and minor children, should he assume the Cabinet position.
Furthermore, Lutnick is likely to be questioned on his perspectives regarding the regulation of AI technologies and his stance on export controls, a key consideration for those advocating a tougher stance on China. Export controls have been a favored tool among policymakers seeking to address national security concerns related to technology transfer and intellectual property protection.
