Trump Taps Trade War Veterans for Key Economic Roles

President-elect Donald Trump has announced Jamieson Greer as his nominee for US Trade Representative and Kevin Hassett as director of the White House National Economic Council, Al Jazeera reports.

Both served in Trump’s previous administration.

Greer, who served as chief of staff to former USTR Robert Lighthizer, will focus on reducing the US trade deficit, protecting American industries (manufacturing, agriculture, and services), and expanding export markets. His nomination requires Senate confirmation. If confirmed, Greer, currently a partner at King & Spalding, will lead trade negotiations with foreign governments and organizations like the World Trade Organization.

He previously said that the Trump administration viewed tariffs as a tool to counter unfair trade practices.

Hassett, former chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, will not require Senate confirmation. Trump cited Hassett’s expertise in tax cuts and his role in helping American families combat inflation, which Trump attributes to the Biden administration.

These appointments follow Trump’s Monday pledge to impose a 25% tariff on all goods from Mexico and Canada, and an additional 10% tariff on Chinese products, citing concerns about border crossings and drug trafficking. Economists widely warn that such broad tariffs would increase consumer prices and hinder global economic growth. However, Trump’s supporters argue that tariffs will restore manufacturing jobs and strengthen the US negotiating position in international trade deals.