Who's Who in Trump's Economic Team: Meet Greer and Hassett

USAWed Nov 27 2024
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Donald Trump just added two key players to his economic team. Jamieson Greer, a lawyer from Washington, has been chosen to be the new US trade representative. Greer is no stranger to trade policy; he used to work closely with Robert Lighthizer, who was the trade representative during Trump's first term. Back then, Lighthizer championed tariffs and led tough trade negotiations with countries like China and Europe. Greer was his chief of staff at the time. This appointment comes right after Trump's big threat to impose tariffs of 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico, and 10% on Chinese goods if he takes office. Trump's campaign promise of 20% tariffs on all US imports and 60% on Chinese goods shows he might take protectionism further in his second term. Another big name joining the team is Kevin Hassett. He'll head the National Economic Council. Hassett was previously the chair of the Council of Economic Advisors during Trump's first term. He's known for supporting Trump's tariff proposals and tax cuts. In his new role, Hassett will help coordinate economic policy and guide Trump on extending tax cuts. But will these new faces have as much influence as their predecessors? Trump has also selected Howard Lutnick for commerce secretary and Scott Bessent for Treasury secretary, both of whom will play critical roles in trade and economic policy. It remains to be seen how much power Greer and Hassett will wield.