Senior White House Officials Weigh Whether to Remove Commerce Secretary Lutnick

Senior White House officials are discussing whether Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick should be removed after an episode involving Nvidia’s former CEO drew attention. The deliberations coincide with lawmakers’ criticism of parts of the administration’s China trade and technology policy.

Lawmakers have criticized Lutnick for not placing dozens of Chinese companies on a U.S. trade blacklist. Separately, lawmakers have questioned whether the government adequately oversaw Nvidia exports to China.

A White House official said President Donald Trump still has “complete confidence” in Lutnick.