Jamieson Greer, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), has emerged as the de facto trade czar in Donald Trump’s potential second administration, according to a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report on June 28.
Once overshadowed by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Greer has recently taken center stage, leading trade negotiations during a solo visit to India and establishing himself as a key tariff man in the Trump administration.
A former lawyer, Greer is spearheading efforts to rebuild tariff barriers dismantled by the Supreme Court’s ruling on reciprocal tariffs. He’s also overseeing the renegotiation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), effectively managing the administration’s overall trade strategy.
In the early days of Trump’s second term, trade policy was largely dominated by Lutnick, a Wall Street investor turned billionaire Commerce Secretary.
The power dynamics of that time were evident when Greer met with Indian economic officials in Washington without Lutnick, only to be ordered to reconvene at the Commerce Department at Lutnick’s insistence.
However, the tables have turned recently. Greer’s media presence has increased significantly, while Lutnick’s influence has noticeably waned.
The WSJ drew parallels between Greer’s ascent and that of his mentor, Robert Lighthizer, who served as Trump’s trade chief during his first term.
Like Lighthizer, who initially worked under Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross but eventually became the key architect of trade policy, Greer has earned President Trump’s trust through his policy expertise, despite not being a billionaire or a high-profile politician.
A devout Mormon, Greer is known for his calm yet meticulous negotiation style. During talks with the Mexican delegation, he firmly articulated tariff principles while attentively listening to opposing views and taking notes, showcasing his technocratic approach.
The WSJ reported that the Mexican delegation was impressed by Greer’s demeanor.
This stands in stark contrast to Lutnick’s approach, which often led to diplomatic tensions. Lutnick had accused the Mexican government of being manipulated by drug cartels, creating conflicts from the outset of negotiations.
In contrast, analysts suggest that Greer is building credibility on trade issues through his predictable and nuanced approach.
Greer’s true value became apparent after the Supreme Court ruled in February that the Trump administration’s reciprocal tariffs were illegal. He swiftly introduced Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 as a legal workaround to this ruling.
Commenting on this shift, Senator Todd Young (R-IN) praised Greer’s leadership, stating that for a while, there was confusion over who was leading the trade portfolio, but that has now been resolved.
Tim Brightbill, a partner at Wiley law firm, assessed that Greer’s Section 301-based tariffs are on solid legal ground, adding that courts are unlikely to demand that officials prove the process behind specific tariff rate decisions.