Trump's Inner Circle Throws Howard Lutnick Under the Bus
Also reported by PBS NewsHour, The Hill, CBS News, BBC Tech, Axios, Al Jazeera, France24
Summary
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said several agencies supported adding Singapore-based Megaspeed to the U.S. Entity List, but the Commerce Department had authority over the decision. Senior White House officials have reportedly discussed removing Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, though President Donald Trump has publicly expressed confidence in him and has not announced a decision.Key Facts
- Bessent said Treasury, the War Department, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and the State Department had supported listing Megaspeed for months.
- The Commerce Department oversees the Bureau of Industry and Security, which administers export controls and maintains the Entity List.
- Megaspeed is suspected of helping China obtain advanced U.S. artificial intelligence chips.
- Senior White House officials have reportedly discussed whether to remove Lutnick, according to two people familiar with the discussions.
- A White House official said Trump maintained confidence in Lutnick and his ability to serve as commerce secretary.
- The Commerce Department denied that Bessent confronted Lutnick over the Megaspeed decision, according to Axios.
- Republican lawmakers have called on Lutnick to explain why Commerce did not take stronger action to restrict China's access to advanced U.S. chips.
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