Sahra Wagenknecht — the German politician, economist, and author who founded the party Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) — was born on this day — July 16, 1969 — in Jena, East Germany.

She is a graduate of the University of Groningen, where she earned a Master of Arts in Philosophy and Modern German Literature, and Chemnitz University of Technology (TU Chemnitz), where she earned a PhD in Microeconomics.

Wagenknecht was a long-time leading figure in the party Die Linke (The Left) before breaking away in 2024 to establish her own political alliance. Known for her focus on economic populism and social conservatism, she has been a member of the Bundestag since 2009 and previously served as a member of the European Parliament. She has written extensively on Marxist theory and the history of economic thought.

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Howard Lutnick — the American businessman and government official who has served as the United States Secretary of Commerce since January 2025 — was born on this day — July 14, 1961 — in Jericho, New York.

He is a graduate of Haverford College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.

Prior to his appointment to the Cabinet, Lutnick was the long-time Chairman and CEO of the financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald and the BGC Group. He gained national recognition for his leadership and rebuilding of the firm following the September 11 attacks. During the transition to the current administration, he also served as the co-chair of the presidential transition team.

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