Short dive:
- Donald Trump has nominated Jamieson Greer, an international trade lawyer and former White House official, as US Trade Representative The president-elect announced Tuesday.
- Greer, a partner in the international team at law firm King & Spalding, served as chief of staff to former USTR Robert Lighthizer during Trump’s first term. As chief of staff, he was involved in negotiations on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and trade talks with China.
- The upcoming USTR will help guide the administration’s trade strategy to impose aggressive tariffs, including Trump’s recent promises to 25% duties on imports from Canada and Mexico and additional duties of 10% on goods from China.
Diving information:
The USTR office took on increased importance during Trump’s first term as it helped lead the administration’s trade war with China. The president-elect is directing similar attention to his incoming administration.
“Jamieson will focus the Office of the United States Trade Representative on containing the country’s massive trade deficit, defending American manufacturing, agriculture and services, and opening export markets everywhere,” Trump said in a statement .
Greer could report to Commerce Secretary nominee Howard Lutnick in the new administration if both are confirmed. In his announcement of Lutnick’s appointmentTrump noted that the secretary will have “direct responsibility for the Office of the United States Trade Representative,” although it is unclear what the exact administrative structure will be.
Greer is a staunch supporter of Trump’s aggressive trade tactics, calling China’s ambitions a “generational challenge” for the United States in May testimony to the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.
“Trade and investment with China has not only fallen short of expectations, but has also actively harmed U.S. economic and national security interests,” Greer said.
Greer called for a “strategic decoupling” from China and for the United States to revoke permanent normal trade relations with the country. He also urged the United States to introduce outbound investment controls on money flowing into China, as well as tighten export controls and raise tariffs.
“There is no silver bullet, and in some cases the effort to pursue strategic decoupling from China will cause short-term difficulties,” Greer said. “However, the cost of doing nothing or underestimating the threat posed by China is much greater.”
Contrary to Trump’s comments on federal subsidiesHowever, Greer in her testimony called for more incentives similar to those offered in the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act as ways to spur growth in U.S. industry. Greer suggested adding incentives for pharmaceuticals, robotics, aeronautics, automotive and other industries.
Greer will likely play a key role in negotiations over the USMCA, which will be reviewed in 2026. Trump commented during the campaign on his intentions to review the deal, saying he “wants to take advantage of the auto industry now.”