**Howard Lutnick remains actively engaged as Secretary of Commerce in the Trump administration, with no recent developments indicating an imminent departure.** Confirmed by the Senate in February 2025, he continues to lead tariff and trade initiatives, including negotiations with Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Mexico on investment commitments, semiconductor manufacturing, and energy projects. Recent reporting from September 2026 shows him defending agency budget proposals, addressing trade talks with Canada, and participating in public events tied to administration priorities. Past controversies, such as earlier Epstein-related scrutiny, have not produced new actions leading to removal. With the president’s ongoing support and Lutnick’s central role in executing the second-term economic agenda, traders assess the likelihood of his exit by October 31 as low.