Trump Appoints Jamieson Greer Amid Tariff Threats
President-elect Donald Trump has announced key appointments in his administration as he prepares to take office on January 20, 2025. Among the notable selections is Jamieson Greer, an international trade lawyer, who will serve as the U.S. Trade Representative. This appointment comes at a critical time as Trump has threatened to impose significant tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, aiming to leverage these threats to negotiate on immigration and trade issues. Greer previously played a pivotal role in implementing tariffs during Trump's first term and in negotiating the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced NAFTA. Trump emphasized Greer’s experience in reversing detrimental trade policies and restoring American manufacturing jobs.
Greer’s responsibilities will include negotiating trade deals and addressing disputes with foreign governments, although he will not have the authority to set tariff policies, a role designated to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Trump’s recent tariff threats, including a proposed 25% tax on imports from Canada and Mexico, have raised concerns about potential inflation and economic repercussions, as warned by analysts and industry leaders.
Tariff Strategy as a Negotiation Tool
Trump's strategy of using tariffs as a negotiating tool is reminiscent of his first term, where similar tactics were employed to compel countries to address U.S. concerns regarding immigration and trade. Transition officials indicated that the tariff threats are intended to force negotiations with allies and adversaries alike. For instance, Trump has stated that he will raise tariffs on goods unless Mexico and Canada take action to curb immigration and drug trafficking.
This approach has drawn criticism from leaders in neighboring countries, including Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who argued that such tactics would not resolve the underlying issues and could lead to a trade war detrimental to both economies. Sheinbaum highlighted that major exporters to the U.S. could be adversely affected, potentially leading to job losses and increased prices for consumers in both nations.
Trump's administration is also expected to push for renegotiations of the USMCA, which requires renewal by July 2026. The president-elect has indicated his intent to invoke the renegotiation provisions of the agreement shortly after taking office, aiming to strengthen U.S. economic interests while navigating complex international trade relations.
