Robert Lighthizer, who designed protectionist trade policies as the head of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) during Donald Trump's first term administration, is expected not to join the second term administration, political news outlet Politico reported on the 3rd (local time).
Politico cited sources from Trump's transition team on the same day, stating that Lighthizer appears to have been excluded from the second term administration.
According to the report, Lighthizer seemed to want a major cabinet position such as Secretary of the Treasury or Secretary of Commerce in the next administration.
However, Trump designated Scott Bessent, founder of the hedge fund 'Key Square Group,' as Treasury Secretary, and Howard Lutnick, CEO of investment bank 'Cantor Fitzgerald,' as Commerce Secretary.
Although there were reports that Trump wanted Lighthizer to serve as the 'trade czar,' Lighthizer reportedly expressed to those around him that he would not accept this position.
A former Trump administration official close to Lighthizer said, "He has worked for at least 15 years to keep Trump in the spotlight, and now he seems to think it's his turn to be rewarded."
Another source also stated that Lighthizer clearly expressed his intention never to join the next administration.
Lighthizer is regarded as the figure who led the trade war with China and changed the trade policy paradigm of Trump's first term by imposing tariffs on steel and aluminum.
He also served as a key advisor to Trump during the recent election process.
Politico pointed out that Lighthizer's exclusion from the cabinet could be a significant blow to protectionists.
It also diagnosed that Wall Street's influence could grow stronger in the second term administration.
This is because Bessent and Lutnick are from Wall Street, and Kevin Hassett, who was appointed chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, is also a business-friendly figure.
Politico especially analyzed that since the figures selected for Trump's second term economic team hold opposing views on tariffs compared to Lighthizer, trade policy could change in the future.
Lighthizer views tariffs as a long-term solution to address the U.S. trade deficit and to promote manufacturing reshoring, whereas Bessent and Lutnick have supported using tariffs as leverage to extract concessions from other countries.
Given that Trump has recently threatened Canada, Mexico, and China with tariffs as a weapon, there are doubts about whether his pledge to impose universal tariffs will be properly implemented.
However, some speculate that since Jamison Greer, who served as Lighthizer's chief of staff, has been nominated as USTR representative, Lighthizer may still exert influence in the next administration.
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