Commerce Secretary Addresses Census Controversy Amid Political Pressures
In recent developments, Howard Lutnick, the Commerce Secretary, has brought attention to the complexities surrounding the U.S. Census amidst ongoing political debates. Lutnick, who is responsible for overseeing the Census Bureau, emphasized that Congress retains ultimate authority over the national head count. This statement comes shortly after President Trump announced plans for a “new” census.
During a town-hall meeting with Census Bureau staff, Lutnick proposed distinguishing between individuals residing in the U.S. illegally and other residents in the census count. According to three anonymous Census Bureau employees, Lutnick stated that those who have “broken into the country” should be counted as such in the census.
Lutnick’s comments are set against the backdrop of a Republican-driven effort to leverage census data for redrawing voting districts in states like Texas. This effort aims to maintain Republican dominance in the House of Representatives before the 2026 midterm elections.
Lutnick Acknowledges Challenges to Early Census Proposal
President Trump’s call for an earlier census has met skepticism from experts who cite logistical challenges. The Census Bureau typically requires a decade to prepare for a count, and plans for the 2030 census are already underway. Lutnick’s recent acknowledgment highlights the legal and practical obstacles to conducting a census before its scheduled time.
Furthermore, Trump’s suggestion to exclude non-citizens from the census count conflicts with the 14th Amendment, which mandates counting the “whole number of persons” for apportionment purposes.
Republican Push for Mid-Decade Census Continues
Despite legal hurdles, some Republicans, including Trump, are advocating for a census before 2026. The U.S. Constitution empowers Congress to direct the census process, historically conducted every decade. However, although federal law permits a mid-decade census, it cannot be used for apportionment, and deadlines for such a count have already passed.
Proposals from Republican lawmakers, such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Rep. Randy Fine, advocate for excluding non-citizens and redistributing congressional seats before 2026. These initiatives currently lack significant legislative support.
Florida’s Attorney General, James Uthmeier, has also suggested a “recount” in areas affected by census miscounts, with the aim of adjusting federal funding allocations. However, the Census Bureau and an internal watchdog have raised doubts about the accuracy of these estimates.
“We are energized by President Trump’s leadership,” Uthmeier expressed in his communication with Lutnick, highlighting ongoing discussions about the census strategy.
