Early Life and Education of Howard Lutnick: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Howard Lutnick, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Howard Lutnick is an American businessman, philanthropist, and current United States Secretary of Commerce (since February 2025). This concise description highlights his roles in business, charity, and government, emphasizing his leadership position as Secretary of Commerce.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

July 14, 1961: Birth of Howard William Lutnick

Howard William Lutnick was born on July 14, 1961, on Long Island, New York, the second son of Solomon and Jane (née Lieberman) Lutnick.

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February 1978: Death of Jane Lutnick

In February 1978, during Lutnick's junior year, his mother, Jane, died of lymphoma.

1983: Graduation from Haverford College

In 1983, Howard Lutnick graduated from Haverford College with a degree in economics.

1989: Political Donations

A Bloomberg News and OpenSecrets analysis found that the Lutnicks have given political donations since 1989.

1990: Cantor begins kidney dialysis

In 1990, Cantor began undergoing kidney dialysis.

September 11, 2001: September 11 Attacks

On September 11, 2001, al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked American Airlines Flight 11, crashing the plane into 1 World Trade Center, which contained Cantor Fitzgerald's corporate headquarters. All 658 employees who were in the office on the day of the attacks died, including Howard Lutnick's brother, Gary.

October 2001: Relief Fund Donations

In October 2001, the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund began donating US$5,000 to families of victims of the September 11 attacks with one or more children.

February 2002: Cantor Fitzgerald to divide profit to survivors

In February 2002, Cantor Fitzgerald announced it would divide US$4.9 million in profit to survivors of the September 11 attacks.

September 2002: Cantor Fitzgerald Donates to Relief Fund

In September 2002, Cantor Fitzgerald donated US$4 million to the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund.

September 2006: Relief Fund Donations

As of September 2006, the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund has donated US$180 million to families.

2008: Appears on The Celebrity Apprentice

In 2008, Lutnick appeared on "The Celebrity Apprentice", hosted by Donald Trump in a charity auction.

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2013: Donation to Victims of Moore Tornado

In 2013, Howard Lutnick gave debit cards of an equal amount to victims of the Moore tornado.

September 2014: Charity Day Raises Millions

By September 2014, Cantor Fitzgerald and BGC Partners' annual charity day on September 11 had raised US$101 million for non-profits dedicated to the September 11 attacks.

October 2014: Largest Single Donation to Haverford College

As of October 2014, Howard Lutnick gave the largest single donation to Haverford College—valued at US$25 million, bringing his total donation to US$65 million.

2016: Donations to Clinton and Harris

In the 2016 United States elections, Howard Lutnick donated to presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and Senate candidate Kamala Harris, attributing them later to his wife.

2017: Donation to Hurricane Harvey relief

In 2017, The Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund donated to hurricane relief, including Hurricane Harvey.

September 2018: Lutnick's Net Worth

By September 2018, Lutnick was worth US$1.5 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

May 2019: Fundraiser for Donald Trump

In May 2019, The New York Times disclosed that Lutnick had hosted a fundraiser for U.S. president and presidential candidate Donald Trump that raised more than US$5 million.

2019: Borrowed from Bank of America

In 2019, Lutnick borrowed more than US$100 million from Bank of America.

2020: Fundraiser for Donald Trump's 2020 presidential campaign

In 2020, Howard Lutnick was a fundraiser for Donald Trump's presidential campaign.

2022: Death of Anshu Jain

In 2022, Anshu Jain, president of Cantor Fitzgerald, died.

2023: Borrowed from Bank of America

In 2023, Lutnick borrowed more than US$100 million from Bank of America.

June 2024: Co-hosted Fundraiser for Donald Trump in London

In June 2024, Howard Lutnick co-hosted a fundraiser for Donald Trump in London that was organized by Duke Buchan.

July 2024: Lutnick speaks at Bitcoin conference

In July 2024, Lutnick and presidential candidate Donald Trump spoke at a Bitcoin conference in Nashville, Tennessee, in which Lutnick announced Cantor Fitzgerald would open a US$2 billion lending facility with Bitcoin as collateral.

December 2024: Purchase of Bret Baier's Home in Washington, D.C.

In December 2024, Lutnick purchased Bret Baier's home in Washington, D.C., for US$25 million, setting a record for the most expensive house in the city. The New York Times noted that this purchase contributed to an increase in the city's luxury real estate market.