“Jamieson played a key role during my first term in imposing tariffs on China and other countries to combat unfair trade practices,” said Donald Trump.
Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he had appointed White House Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer, a lawyer in international trade law. The latter had already distinguished himself in an offensive policy against China.
The president-elect of the United States also chose Kevin Hassett on Tuesday to lead his team of economic advisers, the National Economic Council (NEC). These announcements come at a time when Donald Trump is reviving concerns about all-out trade wars by threatening China, Canada and Mexico to increase customs duties as soon as he comes to power on January 20.
“Jamieson played a key role during my first term in imposing tariffs on China and other countries to combat unfair trade practices,” Donald Trump said in a statement. He also mentioned Jamieson Greer’s help in reaching a free trade agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada at the time.
Former chief of staff to Robert Lighthizer, then Trade Representative during Donald Trump’s first term and critic of China, Mr. Greer will play a central role in the trade policy desired by the American president-elect.
Strategic position
Mr. Greer had been associated with the decisions taken by Robert Lighthizer who largely took part in the strategy of the first Trump presidency to force Beijing’s hand: an increase in customs duties on 300 billion dollars of Chinese products imported to the United States. United to push China to agree to trade negotiations.
A full member of the American government but reporting directly to the White House, the position of Trade Representative is strategic on certain essential aspects such as the application of customs duties or trade negotiations. He is also the representative of the United States within the World Trade Organization (WTO), where potential trade conflicts could play out.
A lawyer with the King & Spalding firm, and a native of California, Mr. Greer is also a veteran of the United States Air Force, according to Mr. Trump. A graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, Mr. Greer also completed part of his studies at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne and Sciences Po Paris, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Former economic advisor to Donald Trump during his first term, Mr. Hassett should help advance the president-elect’s economic agenda, including lower taxes and trade negotiations. “He will play an important role in helping American families recover from the inflation unleashed by the Biden administration,” added Donald Trump in a statement.
Mr. Trump had already announced last week the appointment as Commerce Secretary of Howard Lutnick, CEO of the investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and also a keen critic of China. Donald Trump then announced that Howard Lutnick would also supervise the USTR, which traditionally reports directly to the president. Congressional approval may be required for such a change.
