Meet Howard Lutnick: Wall Street titan and Donald Trump's chief headhunter

Beyond his political endeavours, Lutnick remains committed to philanthropy through the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund, established after the 9/11 attacks.

In recent months, Howard Lutnick, the billionaire Wall Street financial executive and majority owner of Cantor Fitzgerald, has emerged as one of Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump’s top supporters and closest advisers.

Who is Howard Lutnick?

At 63 years old, Lutnick has become a significant figure in Trump’s inner circle, notably serving as MAGA’s primary emissary on Wall Street. His recent appointment as co-chair of Trump’s transition team positions him to spearhead the selection of candidates for critical government roles, including attorney general and deputy solicitor for water resources.

Lutnick's career has been defined by his leadership of Cantor Fitzgerald, a financial services firm he played a crucial role in rebuilding after the devastating 9/11 attacks, which resulted in the loss of 658 employees, including his brother, Gary. In a controversial decision during the aftermath, Lutnick halted payments to the families of deceased employees, justifying it as essential for the company’s survival. However, he personally donated over $90 million to those families and distributed additional profits over five years, totaling more than $180 million.

America goes to polls today. Check live updates here.

Since the attacks, Cantor Fitzgerald has expanded significantly, growing from about 2,000 employees to 13,000 worldwide. The firm encompasses various enterprises, including BGC Group, a brokerage firm, and Newmark Group, a commercial real estate broker.

While Lutnick previously maintained a lower political profile and contributed to both major parties, his alignment with Trump has strenghtened, fueled by their longstanding friendship and shared stances on issues such as immigration, cryptocurrency, and tariffs—views that are atypical for a Wall Street executive typically seen as fiscally conservative.

As a registered Republican, his political contributions have historically spanned both parties, including donations to Hillary Clinton, Kamala Harris, Jeb Bush, and Trump.

America's Voting Day: When is winner of US elections announced? Here's what happens after voting day

His relationship with Trump began decades ago at charity events, and it has been further solidified through shared interests like golf. Lutnick hosted a significant $15 million fundraiser for Trump at his Hamptons home in the summer of 2024. Despite dismissing rumours about seeking an ambassadorial role in Israel, he has expressed willingness to accept a Cabinet position, indicating a desire to contribute to Trump’s administration if called upon.

Beyond his political endeavours, Lutnick remains committed to philanthropy through the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund, established after the 9/11 attacks. Recently, the fund has raised money to support Israel amid ongoing conflicts, pledging to match donations up to $1 million. Lutnick also announced a $7 million donation to assist those affected by the conflict in Israel, underscoring his dedication to both his business interests and philanthropic efforts.