Trump economic team/ Jamieson Greer trade representative/ Kevin Hassett tax cuts/ 2024 Trump administration/ US trade and tax policy/ WEST PALM BEACH/ Fla./ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Jamieson Greer as U.S. Trade Representative and Kevin Hassett as head of the National Economic Council, signaling a focus on tariffs and tax policy. Greer, an advocate for tariffs, and Hassett, a proponent of tax cuts, both played key roles in Trump’s first term. The appointments reflect Trump’s strategy to prioritize trade reform and economic recovery in his upcoming administration.
Trump’s Economic Team: Quick Looks
- Jamieson Greer: Selected as U.S. Trade Representative; known for implementing tariffs during Trump’s first term.
- Kevin Hassett: Returning as National Economic Council Director; instrumental in the 2017 tax cuts.
- Policy Focus: Trade reform, expanded tariffs, and renewed tax cuts to counter inflation.
- Additional Nomination: John Phelan, a private investor, named as Navy Secretary.
- Economic Challenges: Balancing tax cuts with deficit pressures and inflation concerns.
Trump Names Key Veterans Greer and Hassett to Lead Economic Team
Deep Look
Trump’s Economic Appointments
President-elect Donald Trump has chosen two familiar figures from his first administration to helm key economic roles. Jamieson Greer, a seasoned international trade attorney, will serve as U.S. Trade Representative, while Kevin Hassett, an advocate for tax reform, returns as Director of the National Economic Council. These appointments emphasize Trump’s commitment to trade reform and tax policies as central pillars of his second term.
Jamieson Greer: Trade Policy Architect
Greer, who previously served as chief of staff to Robert Lighthizer, played a pivotal role in crafting and enforcing tariffs on countries like China and renegotiating the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Currently a partner at King & Spalding law firm, Greer is deeply skeptical of free trade and supports tariffs to protect American manufacturing jobs.
If confirmed, Greer will oversee trade negotiations and disputes, representing the U.S. in international bodies like the World Trade Organization (WTO). His nomination comes as Trump promises aggressive trade policies, including a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on goods from China.
Greer’s approach aligns with Trump’s vision of using tariffs to counteract unfair trade practices. “Tariffs can help support U.S. manufacturing jobs,” Greer said in a previous interview, underscoring their role in leveling the economic playing field.
Kevin Hassett: Tax Policy Veteran
Kevin Hassett, a key architect of the 2017 tax cuts during Trump’s first term, returns as Director of the National Economic Council. Hassett, who served as Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, has a reputation for advocating pro-growth tax policies.
Hassett’s renewed focus will be on extending and improving the 2017 tax cuts, which are set to expire after 2025. Trump praised Hassett for his contributions, calling him a “true friend” who will help families recover from inflation under the Biden administration.
In his previous tenure, Hassett highlighted the economic benefits of the tax cuts, citing a $5,400 increase in median household incomes in 2019. However, these cuts also contributed to rising deficits, presenting a challenge for the administration as it seeks to manage federal debt while stimulating growth.
Additional Appointments
Trump also announced other key appointments, including John Phelan as Secretary of the Navy. Phelan, a private investor and co-founder of MSD Capital, brings financial expertise to the role but lacks a clear military background.
Vince Haley, a speechwriting veteran from Trump’s first term, will serve as Director of the Domestic Policy Council, adding another trusted insider to Trump’s team.
Economic Challenges Ahead
Trump’s second term faces a host of economic challenges, including managing inflation, addressing budget deficits, and navigating international trade tensions. With Greer and Hassett at the helm, Trump’s administration aims to bolster American manufacturing through tariffs while expanding tax cuts to stimulate economic recovery.
However, critics warn that aggressive tariff policies could exacerbate global trade tensions, while renewed tax cuts might further inflate deficits without significant economic offsets.
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