Bessent Slams Lutnick’s Commerce Dept for Not Blocking Nvidia Chip Exports
Bessent accuses Howard Lutnick's Commerce Department of failing to block Nvidia chips, sparking GOP criticism and calls for leadership change.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C., United States — Commerce Secretary Bessent publicly faulted the department led by Howard Lutnick for not imposing export controls on high‑performance Nvidia chips.
The official argued that the failure to blacklist the Megaspeed line left critical technology accessible to foreign actors, a lapse he said undermines national security.
Republican strategists close to former President Trump have begun debating Lutnick’s future, with some advisers suggesting his removal could restore confidence in the agency.
Investigations have also highlighted that Lutnick’s sons operate a firm with deep financial ties to Nvidia, intensifying scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest.
Critics on Capitol Hill have labeled the situation an intergalactic freak show, demanding stricter oversight of chip export policy.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)