International

Trump Names Jamieson Greer As US Trade Representative Pick

Published

4 hours ago

Nov 27, 2024.

Dennis

President-elect Donald Trump has named Jamieson Greer as his choice for the next United States Trade Representative.

Greer is well-acquainted with the role, having previously served as Chief of Staff to Robert Lighthizer during Trump’s first term. Under their leadership, the administration imposed broad tariffs on China and other nations and negotiated the landmark US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

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Trump frequently touts the USMCA, which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), as a major political achievement and a defining success of his presidency.

“Jamieson will focus the Office of the US Trade Representative on reining in the Country’s massive Trade Deficit, defending American Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Services, and opening up Export Markets everywhere,” Trump said in a Tuesday announcement that lauded Greer as having “played a key role during my First Term in imposing Tariffs on China and others to combat unfair Trade practices, and replacing the failed NAFTA deal with USMCA, therefore making it much better for American Workers.”

If confirmed by the Senate, Jamieson Greer will take on the role of U.S. Trade Representative as Donald Trump prepares to implement an ambitious trade agenda.

Trump has already vowed to impose new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China on his first day in office, unless these countries act to curb the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs across their borders. On the campaign trail, he repeatedly proposed tariffs of 10% to 20% on all imports into the U.S., and as high as 60% on Chinese goods.

The president-elect has characterized tariffs as a versatile tool to address unfair trade practices, bolster American manufacturing, and generate revenue—funds he says could help offset the cost of extending tax cuts enacted during his first term. Trump has also suggested that the threat of tariffs could serve as a bargaining chip, including for renegotiating the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).