Howard Lutnick remains actively engaged as Commerce Secretary in September 2026, advancing trade negotiations, semiconductor reshoring, and energy initiatives while defending agency budgets before Congress. Recent reporting shows him participating in high-level meetings on AI safety and commenting on ongoing bilateral talks, including with Canada. Earlier 2026 controversies over his past Epstein connections prompted bipartisan calls for resignation, yet the White House reaffirmed support and no formal action followed. Traders appear to view these factors, combined with the absence of new conflicts or signals of presidential dissatisfaction, as supporting a high likelihood that Lutnick completes the year in the role.