In Washington, the U.S. Senate has approved Jamieson Greer, who played a key role during President Donald Trump’s initial term in tackling economic disputes with countries like China, Mexico, and Canada, for the position of the nation’s chief trade negotiator.
As the U.S. Trade Representative, Greer will collaborate closely with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, a wealthy financier, to further Trump’s assertive trade strategy. The Senate passed Greer’s nomination with a 56-43 vote on Wednesday.
Trump is known for supporting tariffs on foreign imports, aiming to shield U.S. industries, increase Treasury revenue, and pressure other nations into concessions on various issues, including trade, taxes, and immigration. He is set to impose a 25% tax on Canadian and Mexican imports starting March 4, risking disruption in North American trade and undoing an earlier trade agreement he negotiated in 2020. Additionally, Trump plans to introduce “reciprocal” tariffs on countries with higher import taxes than the U.S. and also intends to lift exemptions on his 2018 steel and aluminum tariffs by taxing these imports at 25%.
Economists caution that such tariffs may lead to price hikes, revive inflation fears, and invite retaliatory measures from other countries.
Greer, who previously served as an Air Force lawyer, was the chief of staff to Trump’s first-term trade representative, Robert Lighthizer. During that time, he was actively involved in negotiations with China amidst significant tariff exchanges between the world’s two largest economies. He also played a part in negotiating the updated North American trade agreement, known as the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, securing approval from Congress by working with Democratic lawmakers. However, many Democrats opposed Greer’s nomination, citing discontent with Trump’s combative and unpredictable trade policies.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota praised Greer as highly qualified and expressed hope that the Trump administration would focus on addressing the trade concerns of American farmers. “I look forward to fostering a productive partnership between the administration and Congress in the foreseeable future as we endeavor to enhance opportunities for American producers,” Thune remarked.
