Changes in the Status of Key White House Aides
Lutnick Portrayed as the 'Bad Cop'
As U.S. President Donald Trump delays the imposition of reciprocal tariffs on countries other than China, thereby reshaping the 'tariff war,' changes in the status of key trade policy aides such as Treasury Secretary Scott Baesant and White House trade and manufacturing advisor Peter Navarro are being observed.
(From left) Donald Trump, President of the United States, Scott Besant, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, and Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of Commerce. Photo by AFP Yonhap News
On the 10th (local time), political news outlet Politico reported, citing anonymous sources, that "President Trump has completely changed not only his tariff strategy this week but also his trade team," noting that Secretary Baesant has taken center stage in tariff policy, while advisor Navarro, who played a key role in the reciprocal tariff decision-making process, has been pushed to the sidelines.
Politico interpreted that with Secretary Baesant, who was previously excluded from the White House policy decision group before President Trump announced country-specific reciprocal tariffs, rising to the forefront, U.S. trade policy has shifted toward a rational voice of 'fair trade.'
At a cabinet meeting presided over by President Trump that day, Secretary Baesant revealed that other countries had called him saying, "We are glad to negotiate with you, Secretary Baesant," and told President Trump, "You will also be part of this negotiation." Furthermore, Secretary Baesant stated that he, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamison Greer are leading the negotiations together with President Trump.
Regarding advisor Navarro, who has been pushed to the periphery of the core policy decision group, one source said, "President Trump still trusts the trade hardliners and respects Navarro's aggressive populism," but added, "However, Navarro is not at the center."
Another source said that Navarro has not yet exercised official authority, stating, "Navarro cannot be excluded from negotiations." They continued, "Since he is not a cabinet member, he does not have legal authority over trade actions. Navarro's role is merely to advise the president."
When asked about the timing of the decision to delay reciprocal tariffs for 90 days at the signing ceremony of the executive order the previous day, President Trump replied, "I have been talking with Secretary Baesant, Secretary Lutnick, and some other professionals," without mentioning advisor Navarro.
Politico analyzed that Secretary Lutnick, who was mentioned alongside Secretary Baesant by President Trump, acts like the 'bad cop.' He is responsible for strongly pressuring and pushing the opposing countries to gain an advantage in trade negotiations.
However, although Secretary Lutnick frequently appears in media interviews to explain tariff policy, Politico reported that Chief of Staff Suzy Wiles is trying to block Lutnick's TV appearances due to his rough and blunt manner of speaking.
A former administration official pointed out, "Secretary Lutnick uses an aggressive tone when speaking, which foreign leaders interpret as arrogance."
In a recent interview with CBS, Secretary Lutnick described the revival of American manufacturing due to tariffs by saying, "an army of millions tightening tiny screws to make iPhones," drawing criticism for his harsh explanation and negative image.
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