"Help Renegotiate the Korea-US FTA"
Likely to Lead Protectionist Trade Policies Using Tariffs
Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, nominated Peter Navarro, former chairman of the White House National Trade Council (NTC), as the White House trade and manufacturing chief advisor for his second administration set to launch in January next year, on the 4th (local time). This move is interpreted as a sign of intent to continue strong protectionist policies accompanied by high tariffs in the second administration, led by Navarro, a China hawk and protectionist.
On the same day, Trump posted on his social networking service (SNS) Truth Social, which he created, saying, "During my first term, there were few people more effective and persistent than Peter in enforcing the two sacred rules of buying American and hiring Americans."
Trump emphasized, "He helped me renegotiate unfair trade deals like the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA)," and "He swiftly implemented all my tariff and trade measures."
Navarro, known as Trump’s economic strategist, maintains a tough stance against China and protectionism. He is credited with planning the trade war against China during Trump’s first term by imposing high tariffs. Navarro is convinced that China engages in predatory economic practices and has authored books such as "The Wars with China" and "Death by China: Confronting the Dragon." In "Death by China," which Trump named his favorite book in 2011, Navarro criticizes China’s unfair trade practices and warns of the economic threats China poses to the United States.
He is also a loyalist to Trump, who served prison time for refusing to testify about the January 6 Capitol riot. Navarro refused to cooperate with the congressional investigation into the January 6 Capitol breach by those contesting the 2020 presidential election, was sentenced to four months in prison for contempt of Congress, and was released in July. On the day of his release, he attended the Republican National Convention on its third day and gave a speech supporting then-candidate Trump.
Some speculate that Navarro, leading Trump’s second-term trade war, could potentially clash with Wall Street veterans Scott Bessent, nominated as Treasury Secretary, and Howard Lutnick, nominated as Commerce Secretary.
The New York Times (NYT) stated, "By appointing Peter Navarro, a China hawk and ardent supporter of tariffs, to handle trade, Trump made it clear that he is still the 'Tariff Man.'" It added, "Navarro will be granted broad authority to shape Trump’s protectionist agenda and ensure a strong voice advocating tariffs in White House policy discussions." The article continued, "Trump appointed Wall Street billionaires to the key economic posts of Treasury and Commerce Secretary, raising Wall Street’s expectations that Trump would not strike allies and enemies with tariffs. However, Navarro’s appointment means Trump’s populist China stance will have a voice in the White House."
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