President Donald Trump regularly makes late-night phone calls to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick around 1 a.m., often just after Lutnick has gone to bed, according to a new profile published Monday, July 21, in The New Yorker. The bizarre nightly ritual has become a fixture of the Trump administration’s inner workings, with conversations ranging from serious policy matters to casual gossip.
Lutnick revealed that the conversations cover both substantive topics and trivial matters. They discuss “real stuff” like Canadian steel tariffs, but also talk about “nothing,” which Lutnick described as covering sporting events, people, dinner companions, television commentary, and Trump’s media appearances. The Commerce Secretary indicated Trump seeks feedback on his press conferences and social media posts during these midnight conversations.
The 64-year-old former Cantor Fitzgerald CEO acknowledged that Trump maintains similar late-night calling patterns with other individuals, though he did not specify who else receives these calls. The practice mirrors Trump’s well-documented habit from his first term of making late-night calls to media figures and allies.
Lutnick’s relationship with Trump extends beyond their official government roles. The billionaire businessman knew Trump from his time at Cantor Fitzgerald and appeared as a contestant on Trump’s reality television show “Celebrity Apprentice.” Despite voting for Hillary Clinton in 2016, Lutnick became a key fundraiser for Trump’s 2024 campaign and served as co-chair of his presidential transition team.
The Commerce Secretary purchased former Fox News anchor Bret Baier’s Washington home for $25 million this year, relocating to the capital to serve in the administration. The residence features expensive artworks by renowned artists including Mark Rothko and Willem de Kooning. Last week, Trump celebrated his birthday at a private dinner at Lutnick’s new home.
Lutnick originally sought the Treasury Secretary position but was appointed to lead the Commerce Department in February after unsuccessful lobbying efforts. He views himself as Trump’s primary dealmaker, citing his extensive business experience. The 62-year-old told The New Yorker that he understands Trump’s thinking patterns and can anticipate his decisions.
However, Lutnick has faced criticism from within Trump’s circle. Sources described him variously as an “errand boy,” a “non-stop” talker, and someone lacking the intellectual capabilities of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. One insider suggested that while Lutnick’s personality appeals to Trump, Bessent provides the administration with more substantial expertise.
The Commerce Secretary encountered Trump’s anger over the controversial “reciprocal tariffs” announced on April 2, which were marketed as policies to “Liberate America.” These tariffs were calculated using a complex and widely criticized formula involving trade deficits and import volumes. When Trump called Lutnick demanding explanations for the tariff calculations, Lutnick admitted uncertainty about the methodology but was instructed to defend them publicly on television regardless.
Lutnick has become a prominent defender of Trump’s trade policies despite occasional inconsistencies in his messaging. During a recent congressional hearing, he confused Republican senators by appearing unfamiliar with certain trade laws under his department’s jurisdiction. The profile noted that during public appearances throughout the spring and summer in Washington, people regularly approached Lutnick seeking his intervention on various matters.
The New Yorker profile draws parallels between Trump and Lutnick, suggesting both men were excluded from elite Manhattan social circles despite their considerable wealth. A source close to Lutnick explained that while middle America views them as symbols of success, New York’s social elite remains dismissive of their status and influence.
Trump has publicly praised Lutnick’s business instincts and regularly includes him in White House activities. The President described him as someone with great business acumen, though others within the administration question whether Lutnick functions as a serious policy actor or merely serves Trump’s personal needs. The late-night phone calls appear to serve both official business purposes and Trump’s apparent desire for casual conversation and validation of his public appearances.
