Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, a former Wall Street billionaire, has used aggressive and unorthodox tactics in his first year, leaving auto industry executives frustrated after tariff negotiations fell short of expectations.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, a billionaire and former Cantor Fitzgerald CEO, informed automakers in October 2025 of a retroactive tariff credit for American-made cars after May 2025 levies, but industry executives were left with billions fewer than anticipated, reflecting his unorthodox and aggressive governing style.