Howard Lutnick, a prominent figure in U.S. business circles, shared his firsthand account of the Supreme Court oral arguments, expressing confidence in the justices’ potential alignment with President Donald Trump’s trade policies. Lutnick described the proceedings as favorable to the administration, highlighting the strength of arguments presented by the solicitor general and the perceived weaknesses of the opposing side.

Lutnick emphasized that the justices appeared receptive to the president’s authority to address what he termed an “emergency” in U.S. trade relations. He cited economic indicators, including a projected 4% growth in third-quarter GDP, as evidence of a robust economy driven by Trump’s tariff agenda. “The economy is on fire because Donald Trump’s trade and tariff agenda is forcing America to build domestically,” Lutnick stated.

The discussion also touched on potential legal challenges to the president’s powers, with Lutnick referencing Justice Kavanaugh’s hypothetical scenario about presidential authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). He argued that the justices would likely side with Trump, noting the logical inconsistency of limiting a president’s ability to impose tariffs if they could enact broader trade restrictions.

Lutnick further criticized New York City’s recent political developments, expressing disappointment over the city’s direction under its new leadership. However, he credited Trump for “having the back of New Yorkers” and praised his efforts to counter what he described as harmful policies in the city.

The interview concluded with Lutnick’s skepticism about populist economic measures like rent freezes and price controls, warning that such policies could devastate small businesses and destabilize urban infrastructure. He reiterated his belief in Trump’s leadership, framing it as a critical force for U.S. economic resilience.