Kennedy questions Lutnick over trade reciprocity strategy

Published June 4, 2025 2:57pm ET



At a tense Senate hearing on Wednesday, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick came under fire from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers frustrated with the Trump administration’s escalating trade tactics.

Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) confronted Lutnick over the administration’s reluctance to accept zero-tariff agreements, using Vietnam as an example. Vietnam is one of more than 60 countries that could soon face steep tariff hikes unless it strikes a deal with the U.S. before July. Kennedy pressed Lutnick on whether the administration would agree to a reciprocal, tariff-free arrangement.

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