President-elect Donald Trump selected Jamieson Greer, 44, to serve as the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). “Jamieson 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,” Trump wrote in his announcement (link). Trump tapped Greer a day after he announced plans to sign executive orders that would impose sweeping tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China. Greer served as chief of staff to the USTR Robert Lighthizer during Trump’s first term in the White House. He will join the administration from King and Spalding, an international law firm specializing in international trade law. His legal background includes service in the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps, where he handled legal matters for military personnel and was deployed to Iraq.
“His efforts under the former USTR, Bob Lighthizer, a spectacular leader and person, helped spur the return of Manufacturing jobs to America, and reverse decades of disastrous Trade policies,” a statement said. Greer will be tasked with “reining in the Country’s massive Trade Deficit, defending American Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Services, and opening up Export Markets everywhere,” the statement added.
The USTR’s role has gained increased significance under Trump, especially with ongoing trade tensions with China and the need to reassess agreements like the USMCA. Greer was deeply involved in negotiations with China on the so-called Phase 1 trade deal and with Canada and Mexico on revamping the nearly quarter-century-old North American Free Trade Agreement.
In testimony last year before the House Ways and Means trade subcommittee, Greer echoed Trump and Lighthizer’s hawkish view of trade with China. “From a defense perspective, it is critically important to restore the U.S. manufacturing base to ensure that the U.S. can credibly deter escalation by China and, if necessary, defend its national security interests at home and abroad,” Greer said. He dismissed the Biden administration’s approach to China as “hot rhetoric [taking] the place of meaningful action” and told lawmakers he did “not subscribe to the myth that more trade reduces the likelihood of conflict.” He recommended Congress consider several tough actions, including revoking permanent normal trade relations with China — a move that would violate U.S. commitments under the WTO by denying China the most favorable U.S. tariff rates.
Greer recommended the negotiation of new market-opening trade agreements with countries such as the UK, India, Kenya and the Philippines.
The Lighthizer/Greer connection. They worked together at the Skadden Arps law firm before Trump was first elected in 2016. After Lighthizer was confirmed as U.S. Trade representative by the Senate, he brought in his much younger colleague to be his chief of staff. Greer did an “excellent” job during his three years in that role, Lighthizer said in his 2023 book, No Trade is Free. “He was organized, patient, and always at the office.”
— What about former USTR Robert Lighthizer? He is expected to play a significant role in shaping trade policy, although his exact position if any remains uncertain. Lighthizer has been actively involved in discussions surrounding Trump’s aggressive tariff plans, which are anticipated to be even more extensive than those implemented during his first term. He is reportedly working closely with Trump and other advisors to develop a strategy for these tariffs, which aim to energize the economy and address trade imbalances. Although Lighthizer was considered a strong candidate for various senior economic roles, including Treasury Secretary, he ultimately did not secure this position. Instead, Trump nominated Scott Bessent, a hedge fund manager. Despite not being appointed to a formal cabinet role, Lighthizer’s influence is expected to persist. He remains in regular contact with Trump and continues to shape the administration’s trade rhetoric and policies from behind the scenes.
Lighthizer and his allies are also preparing for a legislative approach to tariffs, which could involve Congress playing a more significant role in tariff implementation. This strategy aims to provide a framework that would make it more difficult for future administrations to reverse tariffs unilaterally. His expertise and previous experience as USTR position him as a key figure in navigating these discussions.
— Trump tapped Kevin Hassett as director of the National Economic Council, where he will work with other departments to implement the president’s economic policy. Hassett was chair of Council of Economic Advisers during the first Trump administration, where he “played a crucial role in helping to design and pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017,” a statement said. He currently resides at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, where he is an economics fellow.
— Trump appoints Vince Haley to lead Domestic Policy Council, entrusting him with the task of coordinating major federal initiatives. Haley, who served as Director of Policy and Speechwriting during Trump’s campaign, also worked in the White House during Trump’s first term. The Domestic Policy Council will play a pivotal role in advancing Trump’s proposed agenda, which includes strict immigration enforcement, addressing urban crime, and restructuring federal oversight of education. Trump has vowed to dismantle the Education Department and implement changes tying federal funding for police to specific reforms.