() U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick told ‘s Batya Ungar-Sargon that falling gas prices and open markets can ultimately lead to Americans feeling better about the state of the economy.

Referring to recent polling that shows Americans’ pessimism about the economy is at record highs, Ungar-Sargon asked Lutnick how President Trump planned on regaining voters’ confidence in the economy before the 2026 midterm elections a crucial election that will determine if Trump maintains his hold on the U.S. Congress.

“You’ve seen gas finally dropping lower and lower and lower so that’s going to matter,” Lutnick replied. “Open markets so that our farmers can be more successful and they can grow and have confidence that they can sell their goods around the world will drive down our costs here.”

The wealthy financier and staunch supporter of President Donald Trump’s hardline trade polices was confirmed in February by the Senate in a 51-45 vote.

Lutnick, former CEO at the investment firm Cantor Fitzgerald, oversees 50,000 federal employees who do everything from collecting economic statistics to running the census to issuing weather reports.

New Yorker Lutnick’s thoughts on Zohran Mamdani

Ungar-Sargon talked with the Commerce secretary about a variety of topics, including his thoughts on New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist who has campaigned on promises of city-supported grocery stores, a rent freeze and free childcare. Lutnick said such promises, however nice they may sound to voters, will not pan out for New Yorkers.

“We know how it ends. It always ends badly,” he said. “New York, if they elect him, is in for a very, very rough ride.”

Mamdani is considered the frontrunner in the race for mayor, ahead of incumbent Eric Adams and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Can Trump, Elon Musk mend fences?

Another topic that came up: Billionaire Elon Musk, a former Trump adviser whose relationship with the president imploded in a nasty public spat earlier this year. Both Trump and Musk seemed to exchange pleasantries at last weekend’s memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk in suburban Phoenix.

Lutnick, a friend of Trump’s for decades, predicts there will be cordiality moving forward but expressed doubt that the rift will heal completely from the president’s perspective.

“He’s going to forgive Elon. Will he forget? No,” Lutnick said.

Watch Lutnick’s full interview with Ungar-Sargon during which he also discusses his view of New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani and the evolving relationship between President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk on “Batya!” on at 4 p.m. ET.

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