Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he had appointed White House Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer, a lawyer in international trade law who had already distinguished himself in an offensive policy against China.
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This announcement comes at a time when Donald Trump is reviving concerns about all-out trade wars by threatening China, Canada and Mexico to increase customs duties as soon as he comes to power on January 20.
“Jamieson played a key role during my first term in imposing tariffs on China and other countries to combat unfair trade practices,” the president-elect of the United States said in a statement.
Donald Trump also mentioned Jamieson Greer’s help in reaching a free trade agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada at the time.
Former chief of staff to Robert Lighthizer, then Trade Representative during Donald Trump’s first term and critic of China, Mr. Greer will play a central role in the trade policy desired by Donald Trump
Mr. Greer had been associated with the decisions taken by Robert Lighthizer who largely participated in the strategy of the first Trump presidency to force Beijing’s hand: an increase in customs duties on 300 billion dollars of Chinese products imported to the United States. United to push China to agree to trade negotiations.
A full member of the American government, but reporting directly to the White House, the position of Trade Representative is strategic on certain essential aspects such as the application of customs duties or trade negotiations.
He is also the representative of the United States within the World Trade Organization (WTO), where potential trade conflicts could play out.
A lawyer with the King & Spalding firm, and a native of California, Mr. Greer is also a veteran of the United States Air Force, according to Mr. Trump.
A graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, Mr. Greer also completed part of his studies at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne and Sciences Po Paris, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Donald Trump had already announced last week the appointment as Commerce Secretary of Howard Lutnick, CEO of the investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and also a keen critic of China.
Donald Trump then announced that Howard Lutnick would also supervise the USTR, which traditionally reports directly to the president.
Congressional approval may be required for such a change.
