President-elect Donald Trump has turned to two seasoned veterans of his first administration to bolster his economic team, signaling a focus on trade and tax policies.
On Tuesday, Trump announced the nominations of international trade attorney Jamieson Greer as U.S. trade representative and economist Kevin Hassett as director of the White House National Economic Council.
Trade Policy Architect Returns
Greer, who played a critical role in implementing Trump's trade policies during his first term, is poised to lead negotiations on international trade agreements and disputes. Trump credited Greer in a statement with helping to impose tariffs on China and revamp the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, "therefore making it much better for American Workers."
Previously, Greer served as chief of staff to Robert Lighthizer, a staunch critic of free trade.
In a June interview with The New York Times, Greer stated that tariffs "can help support U.S. manufacturing jobs in particular, especially to the extent that they're remediating an unfair trade practice."
Trump's renewed focus on tariffs includes promises of substantial levies on goods from key trading partners. Among his proposed measures are a 25 percent tax on products from Canada and Mexico and an additional 10 percent tariff on goods from China.
Hassett to Guide Economic Recovery
Hassett, a prominent advocate for tax cuts, is set to reprise a leadership role in the administration.
Trump praised Hassett, saying he will "play an important role in helping American families recover from the inflation that was unleashed by the Biden Administration" and aid in "renewing and improving" the 2017 tax cuts.
Hassett, 62, served as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers during Trump's first term, contributing to the 2017 tax reforms. Trump previously called him a "true friend" and lauded his "great job" as he departed the administration in 2019.
Hassett later returned during the pandemic and has since worked as a fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution.
The incoming Trump administration faces the challenge of balancing tax cuts with deficit pressures. While the 2017 reforms reportedly boosted household incomes—median incomes rose over $5,400 to $81,210 in 2019—they also contributed to growing budget deficits.
Additional Appointments
Tuesday's announcements included Vince Haley as director of the Domestic Policy Council and John Phelan, a private investor and campaign donor, as Navy secretary.
Trump's latest appointments reflect a return to trusted figures from his first administration, underscoring his intent to revive hallmark policies on trade and tax reform as he prepares for his second term.
This article includes additional reporting from The Associated Press
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