Howard Lutnick, the commerce secretary, has pushed to loosen chip-related rules that overlap with his family’s business interests, according to a New York Times report.
The proposed changes would affect data centers across Southeast Asia. Several of those facilities are clients of Lutnick’s former firm.
Lutnick has been drafting new rules governing semiconductor exports and related technology in the region. The rules could alter how data centers operate and which suppliers they use.
The overlap raises questions about potential conflicts of interest. Lutnick’s former firm maintains business ties to some of the affected data centers.
Commerce Department officials have not publicly detailed the scope of the proposed changes. The rules remain under review.
Chip export policy has become a central issue for the department. Southeast Asia has emerged as a key hub for data center growth tied to advanced computing.
Critics say the situation warrants closer scrutiny. Supporters argue the rules are needed to protect national security interests.
