If confirmed as Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, President Trump’s nominee, says he’s all in on “across the board” tariffs to level the playing field for U.S. trade. During his Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday, Lutnick argued tariffs aren’t as inflationary as some economists claim. Instead, he sees them as a tool to ensure American farmers, ranchers, and fishers are treated with the respect they deserve globally.

“We need that disrespect to end,” Lutnick told lawmakers. “Tariffs create reciprocity, fairness, and help our industries thrive.”

Lutnick, a wealthy financier and Trump donor, also vowed to take a tough approach on U.S. technology sales to China. He highlighted concerns over China’s advances in artificial intelligence, which he says have been fueled by American companies like Meta and Nvidia. “We need to stop helping them,” he said. “I’m going to be very strong on that.”

On the topic of the $50 billion CHIPS Act, aimed at boosting U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, Lutnick promised to study the program carefully. Despite Trump’s criticism of the initiative as wasteful, Lutnick assured lawmakers the funds would be spent “appropriately” and “correctly.”

If confirmed, Lutnick would oversee a wide range of government programs, from trade policy to technology and science initiatives. His remarks suggest a continuation of Trump’s hardline approach to trade and a focus on protecting U.S. interests in key industries.