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The incoming Trump Administration’s trade agenda will be carried out by a team focused on protectionist policies and assertive trade measures. The leadership team detailed below reflects President Trump’s broader goals of protecting American industries, enhancing border security, and reshaping U.S. trade relations through bold policy actions.

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Secretary of the Treasury – Scott Bessent

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President-elect Trump <a href="https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/9GvbCW6WyZhN2JEMC6f3Io72vj?domain=rnn4sp8ab.cc.rs6.net" target="_blank" rel="noopener">selected</a> Scott Bessent as his nominee for Treasury Secretary. A former supporter of Democratic candidates and causes, Bessent has become an advocate for Trump’s economic policies, mainly focusing on deficit reduction and deregulation. He was most recently a partner at Soros Fund Management and served as Trump’s economic advisor during the 2024 campaign cycle. Additionally, he was the founder of global investment firm Key Square Group. He is a strong proponent of extending the tax cuts from Trump’s first term and has called for spending cuts to offset the costs.

Bessent views tariffs as a strategic tool for foreign policy, particularly regarding China, using them as a form of economic sanction to address issues like currency manipulation and trade imbalances. He supports gradually implementing tariffs as essential for achieving broader geopolitical and financial goals.

Howard Lutnick, the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and a key figure in President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team, <a href="https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/yHoTCXDYz1Fk1wQ8TVh2IWiQ3X?domain=rnn4sp8ab.cc.rs6.net" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has been nominated</a> to lead the Department of Commerce. Known for his strong advocacy of high tariffs to protect American workers and rebuild the domestic economy, Lutnick has supported Trump’s proposed tariff plans on China, Mexico, Canada, and other countries.

His background in investment banking and connections across the business community position him to drive Trump’s trade agenda, prioritizing tariffs as a cornerstone of economic policy. A self-described fiscal conservative, Lutnick’s nomination underscores Trump’s commitment to reshaping U.S. trade policy, leveraging tariffs to bolster industrial growth, even as critics warn of potential inflationary impacts.

United States Trade Representative (USTR) – Jamieson Greer

President-elect Donald Trump <a href="https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/drewCYEVA2SjQr7nI9iqIx_DQu?domain=rnn4sp8ab.cc.rs6.net" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has selected</a> Jamieson Greer, a seasoned trade lawyer and former Air Force attorney, as USTR. Greer, who served as chief of staff to Robert Lighthizer during Trump’s first term, is a trusted ally and protégé of the former USTR, renowned for his hardline trade policies. Known for his experience in trade litigation and policy, Greer has positioned himself as a staunch defender of American manufacturing and a critic of manufacturing practices by countries like China, Mexico, and the EU that he views as undermining domestic economic interests.

If confirmed, Greer will play a key role in implementing Trump’s aggressive tariff agenda, including a potential baseline 20% tariff on all imports and potential border tariffs targeting Mexico and Canada. Backed by the <a href="https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/hVi4CZ6ZB3hXEJ6ksysEIBQlrQ?domain=rnn4sp8ab.cc.rs6.net" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Coalition for a Prosperous America</a>, which supports protective tariffs, Greer is expected to align closely with Trump’s vision of reducing trade deficits and enhancing national security through trade policy.

National Economic Council (NEC) Director – Kevin Hassett

Kevin Hassett, a seasoned economist with deep Republican ties, <a href="https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/jVWtC1wVl2SL1V4PiYtvIV0suP?domain=rnn4sp8ab.cc.rs6.net" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has been chosen to lead</a> the NEC in his second administration. Hassett, who previously served as chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers and played a key role in shaping the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, brings a mix of traditional economic expertise and alignment with Trump’s agenda. Known for his conservative economic views, Hassett has supported high tariffs as part of a broader strategy to protect American industries and bolster domestic manufacturing.

With a career including roles at the Federal Reserve and the American Enterprise Institute and advisory positions in multiple Republican presidential campaigns, Hassett’s appointment signals a preference for established policy architects to help execute Trump’s sweeping economic plans, including significant tax reform and tariff policies.

Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing – Peter Navarro

President-elect Trump <a href="https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/OdntC2kGm3h0vMYBiMu2I55-XA?domain=rnn4sp8ab.cc.rs6.net" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> on December 4 that former advisor Peter Navarro would be returning to the next administration as Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing. Navarro, who briefly served prison time for contempt of Congress related to the January 6 investigation, was a key architect of Trump's "Buy American, Hire American" agenda during his first term. He played a pivotal role in renegotiating major trade agreements like NAFTA (now USMCA) and KORUS and was instrumental in advancing Trump's tariff strategies, viewing tariffs as essential tools to combat unfair trade practices and protect U.S. manufacturing.

He previously served as the Director for the White House National Trade Council during Trump’s first term and taught economics and public policy at the University of California – Irvine.

The Michael Best Strategies trade team is ready to assist companies in navigating the evolving trade landscape in the White House. Please get in touch with Sarah Helton, Partner and Trade Practice Lead, at <a href="mailto:sarah.helton@michaelbest.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sarah.helton@michaelbest.com</a>.

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