President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday announced several high-profile nominations for his second term. Among them were Jamieson Greer as U.S. Trade Representative, Kevin Hassett as Director of the White House National Economic Council, and Vince Haley as Director of the Domestic Policy Council. These appointments underscore Trump’s continued focus on trade reform, economic growth, and a reshaped domestic agenda.
Jamieson Greer, an international trade attorney and partner at the Washington-based King & Spalding law firm, has been tapped to serve as the U.S. Trade Representative. Greer is no stranger to Trump’s trade policies, having served as Chief of Staff to former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer during Trump’s first term.
In announcing Greer’s nomination, Trump highlighted his pivotal role in advancing the administration’s trade agenda, including imposing tariffs on China and renegotiating the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced NAFTA.
“Jamieson Greer was instrumental in imposing tariffs on China and other nations and in replacing NAFTA with the USMCA, making it much better for American workers,” Trump said in a statement.
Greer’s nomination, if confirmed, positions him as the lead negotiator in crafting trade agreements, managing trade disputes, and representing the U.S. in international organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO). With his extensive background in trade law and policy, Greer is expected to continue Trump’s approach of challenging traditional free trade models in favor of more protectionist strategies designed to bolster American industry and labor.
His predecessor, Lighthizer, was known for his tough stance on China and skepticism of multilateral trade deals, a legacy Greer is expected to uphold. Critics of Trump’s trade policies, including some economists, argue that these tariffs have led to increased costs for American businesses and consumers. However, supporters, including many in the manufacturing sector, praise the measures for reviving domestic production.
In another significant appointment, Kevin Hassett was named the Director of the White House National Economic Council (NEC). A noted economist and a major proponent of tax cuts, Hassett previously served as Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) during Trump’s first term.
Trump lauded Hassett’s expertise, particularly in addressing economic recovery and fiscal policy. “Kevin Hassett will play an important role in helping American families recover from the inflation unleashed by the Biden administration,” Trump said. He added that Hassett would collaborate on renewing and improving the 2017 tax cuts, many of which are set to expire in 2025.
Hassett, 62, is a staunch advocate for supply-side economics and has been a vocal proponent of lowering corporate tax rates and simplifying the tax code to spur economic growth. During his previous tenure, Hassett was a key architect of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which significantly reduced corporate tax rates and lowered individual tax brackets. While the legislation has been credited with stimulating economic growth and boosting stock markets, critics argue that it disproportionately benefited the wealthy and contributed to ballooning federal deficits.
Hassett’s return to the administration comes at a time when the economy faces several challenges, including inflation, global supply chain disruptions, and ongoing concerns about labor market participation. His policies are likely to focus on reducing regulatory burdens, incentivizing investment, and potentially introducing additional tax reforms aimed at countering these challenges.
Rounding out the day’s announcements, Vince Haley was nominated to lead the Domestic Policy Council, a position that will place him at the helm of shaping Trump’s domestic agenda. While details of Haley’s specific policy plans remain sparse, his appointment suggests a continued emphasis on issues central to Trump’s platform, such as immigration reform, healthcare, and education.
Haley is known for his strong conservative credentials and alignment with Trump’s vision for America’s domestic policies. As a close advisor, he has been instrumental in crafting policy proposals aimed at reducing federal oversight, promoting school choice, and tightening immigration enforcement.
With Haley’s leadership, the Domestic Policy Council is likely to prioritize measures that resonate with Trump’s base, including bolstering border security, limiting the influence of federal agencies in state matters, and reinforcing conservative social policies. Critics are expected to push back on some of these initiatives, particularly those affecting marginalized communities and public education funding.
Tuesday’s nominations provide insight into the policy direction of Trump’s second term. Central to his administration’s vision are continued economic reforms, a tough stance on international trade, and an assertive domestic policy agenda.
Trump’s selection of Greer signals a continuation of the trade strategies that defined his first term. The administration is expected to double down on efforts to counter China’s economic influence, renegotiate trade agreements to prioritize American interests, and challenge the WTO’s framework to ensure it aligns with Trump’s vision of fair trade.
Trade analysts anticipate Greer will face significant challenges, including managing strained relationships with traditional allies and navigating the fallout from tariffs imposed during Trump’s first term. With growing concerns about global supply chains and economic interdependence, the role of the U.S. Trade Representative will be critical in determining America’s position in the global market.
Hassett’s appointment underscores Trump’s commitment to a tax-centric economic strategy. With inflation as a key concern, the administration is likely to push for extensions or modifications to the 2017 tax cuts. Economists expect that Hassett’s policies will focus on incentivizing investment and addressing regulatory hurdles that hinder economic growth.
While tax cuts remain a central theme, questions about their long-term sustainability and impact on income inequality persist. Balancing economic growth with fiscal responsibility will be a significant challenge for the incoming NEC director.
Under Haley’s guidance, the Domestic Policy Council is poised to advance an agenda that aligns with Trump’s campaign promises. This includes tackling immigration reform, supporting law enforcement, and promoting conservative educational reforms. These policies, while popular among Trump’s base, are likely to ignite partisan debates and face opposition in Congress.
The nominations have drawn both praise and criticism. Supporters within the Republican Party view these appointments as a continuation of Trump’s efforts to disrupt the political status quo and prioritize American interests. “These are the right people to deliver on President Trump’s promises to the American people,” said a senior Republican strategist.
However, Democrats and some independent observers have expressed concerns about the implications of these choices. Critics argue that Trump’s approach to trade and economic policy may exacerbate inequalities and strain international relations. Others worry that a hardline domestic policy agenda could further polarize an already divided nation.
