Jim Himes calls Commerce Secretary Lutnick a huckster and con man

On July 20, 2025, in Connecticut, Representative Jim Himes appeared on CBS's 'Face the Nation' to express his concerns regarding recent statements made by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Himes, who serves as the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee and is involved in the Financial Services Committee, took issue with Lutnick’s comments about tariffs, asserting that tariffs are not only collected from foreign countries as Lutnick claimed. Himes emphasized that this misunderstanding points to serious flaws in Lutnick's credibility and his approach to economic policy. During the interview, Himes argued that the idea that the President can fire the Fed Chair without cause is legally unsound, highlighting the Supreme Court's affirmation of the protections the Fed Chair has against arbitrary dismissal. He pointed out the potential chaos that could ensue in the financial markets if the President were to act against these legal precedents, describing such actions as reckless. Himes warned that the rhetoric being used, particularly terms like 'torture' to describe Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell's actions, could have dangerous implications for both the economy and for individuals involved in economic governance. As the discussion progressed, Himes also addressed broader issues, including the ramifications of recent statements made by Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, who suggested prosecuting former officials for purported treasonous behavior. Himes condemned this rhetoric as dangerously inflammatory and stated that such language could incite violence among certain groups. He indicated the necessity of approaching these topics responsibly and reminded his Democratic colleagues of the importance of reflection and strategizing to win back voters they have lost in previous elections. The focus of Himes’ statements highlights the contentious political climate and the critical need for accurate information in economic discussions. He feared that misleading information being spread by officials could lead to more profound disruptions in both the political and economic landscape. As the conversation continued, Himes stressed the need for introspection among Democrats and developing more appealing strategies for broader voter engagement.