Commerce Department Appointees Face Scrutiny Over Industry Ties

The report, authored by Zach Everson and Douglas S. Pasternak, highlights Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick as a primary example of these entanglements. Despite promises to divest his business interests within 90 days of confirmation, Lutnick missed that deadline by four months. Instead of a blind trust, he transferred his financial stakes to trusts benefiting his children. The secretary has since championed AI data center expansion, while Newmark—a company where his son serves on the board—has facilitated over $25 billion in related deals.

Beyond the secretary’s office, the department is staffed by former industry lobbyists and corporate attorneys. Undersecretary for economic affairs Joyce Meyer previously lobbied for the life insurance industry, while undersecretary for industry and security Jeffrey Kessler formerly represented clients like Boeing and Meta. Joe Bartlett, a deputy undersecretary, transitioned to his role from Skydio, a drone manufacturer currently subject to department export controls. Pasternak argues these dual loyalties raise fundamental questions about whether federal employees prioritize public service or the enrichment of private for-profit entities.