[co-author: Quinn Bailey]
Donald Trump has announced nominees for several key positions that will participate in the development of U.S. trade policy during his Administration. The nominees for Secretary of Commerce, State, and Treasury are business executives who have not previously worked in the U.S. government. The President-elect also announced the creation of a new office within the White House – the White House National Trade Council – as discussed in greater detail in this Alert. The mission of the White House National Trade Council is to “advise the President on innovative strategies in trade negotiations, coordinate with other agencies to assess U.S. manufacturing capabilities and the defense industrial base, and help match unemployed American workers with new opportunities in the skilled manufacturing sector.”
• Department of State: The nominee is Rex W. Tillerson, Chairman and Chief Executive of ExxonMobil. As CEO of ExxonMobil, Mr. Tillerson has substantial experience in dealing with governments and international business issues around the world.
• Department of the Treasury: The nominee is Steve Mnuchin, who is a former partner at Goldman Sachs and served as national finance chairman for President-elect Trump’s campaign. Mr. Mnuchin has a great deal of experience in various positions in the banking and finance industry, but less experience in international trade.
• Department of Commerce: The nominee is Wilbur Ross, who is an investor specializing in corporate restructuring. Mr. Ross worked as a banker at Rothschild, Inc. before forming WL Ross and Co. Mr. Ross is a member of the board of directors of ArcelorMittal, a multinational steel company, and has many years of experience with international trade and manufacturing issues.
• U.S. Trade Representative: The nominee is Robert Lighthizer, who previously served as a deputy U.S. Trade Representative under President Ronald Reagan. Ambassador Lighthizer has significant experience in international trade and currently is a partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.
• White House National Trade Council: The nominee to direct this new office within the White House is Dr. Peter Navarro, who is a Professor of Economics and Public Policy at the University of California, Irvine. Dr. Navarro has written extensively on U.S. trade relations with China.
As of the date of this Alert, the Trump transition team has not named its nominee for numerous other senior trade positions. In addition, it is not yet clear precisely how the different agencies will work together, and which officials will take the lead on various issues confronting the new administration. More information should become known in the coming weeks, and these issues will be covered in detail in future issues of the Alert.
