President Donald Trump defended Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick after Lutnick told CNBC there have been “no American deaths” in the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict. Trump said Lutnick “Venezuela on his mind,” while Lutnick later posted on X that he “misspoke” and offered condolences to the families of 18 servicemembers killed.
WHO:President Donald Trump; Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick
WHAT:Trump excused/defended Lutnick after he incorrectly said there had been no American deaths in the Iran war; Lutnick later apologized and offered condolences.
WHEN:Reported Sep 3, 2026 at 11:17 AM ET
WHERE:California
WHY:Trump responded to Lutnick’s Wednesday remarks on CNBC that “there haven't been American deaths,” which he later said were a misspeak.
Reporting from 1 identified publisher for this event.
