Trump’s Trade Expert Gets Senate Approval For Tariffs
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The Senate has confirmed former Trump administration official Jamieson Greer as the nation’s leading trade representative through a decisive 56-43 vote. In his new role, Greer will collaborate with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to implement President Trump’s ambitious trade initiatives.
Greer brings significant experience from his previous position as chief of staff to Robert Lighthizer, Trump’s first-term trade representative. During this tenure, he played a crucial role in managing trade tensions with China, as both economic powerhouses engaged in the most significant tariff dispute since the 1930s. His accomplishments include helping craft and secure congressional approval for the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
✅ CONFIRMED: Jamieson Greer as the 20th United States Trade Representative pic.twitter.com/ppO3OtEedm
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 26, 2025
The confirmation comes as Trump prepares to implement substantial trade measures, including a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports starting March 4. The administration also plans to introduce reciprocal tariffs on countries with higher import taxes than the United States and eliminate exemptions on steel and aluminum imports, subjecting them to a 25% tax.
These aggressive trade policies, while aimed at protecting American industry and generating revenue, have sparked concerns among economic experts. Critics warn that these measures could trigger price increases, potentially fuel inflation, and invite retaliatory actions from other nations.
It is critical to have a USTR that will open markets for our farmers and manufacturers by negotiating new trade agreements and enforcing existing ones. Jamieson Greer has made that commitment and I urge all my colleagues to support his nomination. https://t.co/tKGmJ0GCLf pic.twitter.com/oNs8fkdzJa
— Senator Mike Crapo (@MikeCrapo) February 26, 2025
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., endorsed Greer’s appointment, describing him as “admirably qualified” for the position. “I look forward to a close partnership between the administration and Congress in the coming months and years as we work to expand opportunities for American producers,” Thune said.
Greer, who previously served as an Air Force lawyer, will work alongside billionaire financier Howard Lutnick to advance Trump’s trade agenda, which emphasizes using tariffs as leverage to secure concessions on various policy fronts, including trade, taxation, and immigration.
