• Several of Lutnick’s biggest investments, including satellite imaging company Satellogic and the cryptocurrency Tether, fall under Commerce Department oversight.

  • Tether is currently under U.S. Treasury and Justice Department investigation for possible violations of anti-money laundering and sanctions laws. 

  • In 2022, Satellogic signed a far-reaching agreement with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, itself a major U.S. military and intelligence contractor. SpaceX remains Satellogic’s “preferred launch provider” for launching its satellites into near-Earth orbit.
    

• The FMX Futures Exchange, one of Lutnick’s most recent ventures, is facing pressure over its plan to handle certain trades tied to U.S. government debt through London. The crux of the matter hinges on whether the U.S. should allow Treasury futures to be cleared abroad.
  

• Cantor Fitzgerald has also invested in Critical Metals Corp., which plans to begin metals and mineral mining operations in Greenland as early as 2026. According to an SEC filing, as of November 2024, Cantor Fitzgerald’s investment in Critical Metals Corp. was valued at approximately $9,279,540. 

  • Tony Sage, chief executive of Critical Metals Corp., touted Lutnick’s connection to the New York Times, saying  he viewed Lutnick as a possible conduit for future investment by the U.S. government itself, saying “They could” be beneficial and that “Having an investor, already, does help.”
    

Before his nomination, Lutnick was co-chair of the Trump transition team. He also gave $5 million to a Super PAC supporting Trump and millions to other Republican causes during the 2024 election.