US President-elect Donald Trump has named Jamieson Greer as his trade representative, set to take office on January 20, 2025.
The appointment comes after Trump threatened new tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico in an effort to curb the illegal flow of people and drugs into the US.
Greer, a seasoned trade lawyer and veteran of Trump’s first presidency, played a pivotal role in imposing tariffs on Chinese goods.
In his new role, Greer will be tasked with addressing the US’s trade deficit, defending American industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and services, and opening export markets globally.
Trump has long advocated for policies that encourage consumers to purchase American-made products by raising the cost of imports. Many of his 2025 appointments, including Greer, hold a particularly hardline stance toward China.
During his first term, Greer served as the chief of staff to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, overseeing the US-China trade conflict, which involved tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of goods. Trump described the tariffs as part of an effort to bring manufacturing jobs back to the US and reverse decades of harmful trade policies.
Greer was also integral in negotiating a new trade deal with Canada and Mexico, replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Greer’s appointment, which requires confirmation by the Senate, follows Trump’s announcement of additional economic appointments, including Kevin Hassett as his chief economic adviser to lead the White House National Economic Council.
Meanwhile, Trump’s recent tariff threats—25% on imports from Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10% on goods from China—have drawn concerns from these countries, warning that such actions could destabilize both their economies and that of the US.
Some businesses are already feeling the economic ripple effects, adjusting supply chains and stockpiling goods.
With Greer and other key figures now confirmed, Trump’s leadership team is taking shape as he prepares for his second term.
Additionally, Trump appointed Jay Bhattacharya, a vocal Covid-19 lockdown critic, as the new director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
