Trump Nominates Greer as USTR Chief, Frontline of 'Tariff War' (Summary)

Cabin Hasset Appointed as Chairman of Economic Control Tower NEC

Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, on the 26th (local time) nominated Jamison Greer as the next United States Trade Representative (USTR) and Kevin Hassett, former chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers (CEA), as chairman of the White House National Economic Council (NEC).

In a statement on the day, Trump said, "Jamison played a key role in imposing tariffs on China and other countries to eradicate unfair trade practices during the first administration, and in replacing the failed North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), creating a deal more favorable to American workers."

Jamieson Greer, Former USTR Chief of Staff. Website of the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission

He added, "Under former USTR Robert Lighthizer, he accelerated the recovery of American manufacturing jobs and helped reverse decades of disastrous trade policies. Jamison will focus on curbing America's massive trade deficit, defending American manufacturing, agriculture, and services, and opening all export markets at USTR."

The USTR is a presidential agency similar in nature to Korea's Trade Negotiation Headquarters. It is expected to lead Trump’s tariff war on the front lines in the future.

Greer is an international trade law specialist lawyer and a longtime close aide to Robert Lighthizer, who served as USTR during Trump’s first administration. He served as Lighthizer’s chief of staff at that time. Currently, he is a partner lawyer at the law firm King & Spalding.

By appointing Greer, a prot?g? of former USTR Lighthizer who led the tariff war during Trump’s first administration, as USTR representative, tariffs are expected to play a central role in economic policy in the second administration as well. Greer is expected to lead the tariff and trade war alongside Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and nominee for Secretary of Commerce, and Scott Bessent, founder of Kith Square Group and nominee for Secretary of the Treasury. Trump announced the day before that he would sign an executive order on his inauguration day to impose additional tariffs of 10% on China and 25% each on Mexico and Canada.

Kevin Hassett, former Chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers (CEA). Hoover Institution

On the same day, conservative economist Kevin Hassett, former chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers (CEA), was appointed chairman of the White House National Economic Council (NEC).

Trump said, "Kevin played a key role as CEA chairman in designing and passing the 2017 tax cuts and jobs bill. He will renew and improve record tax cuts and ensure fair trade with countries that have previously taken advantage of the United States."

He added, "Kevin will also play an important role in strengthening economic relations with allies and will be a key figure in ensuring the prosperity of the American people."

The NEC chairman serves as the control tower leading White House economic policy and will oversee taxes, trade, and fiscal spending in Trump’s second administration.

Hassett served as White House CEA chairman and senior economic adviser during Trump’s first administration. He was the architect and promoter of the 2017 tax cut bill under the Trump administration. At one point, he was also mentioned among the candidates for the next Federal Reserve Board member among Trump’s aides.

Meanwhile, Trump nominated businessman John Feland as Secretary of the Navy, responsible for naval weapons procurement and budget. The Secretary of the Navy is a position that can exert significant influence if the Trump administration pursues cooperation with Korea and shipbuilding. Feland founded the private equity firm Ruger Management and co-founded the investment firm MSD Capital. The Secretary of the Navy is often held by civilians or retired naval generals with defense experience. However, Feland’s background introduced by Trump does not include military experience.