Senate Grills USTR Nominee Greer on Tariffs, Energy Policies

During his confirmation hearing, Jamieson Greer, President Trump's nominee for United States Trade Representative, faced intense questioning from the Senate Finance Committee regarding his stance on tariffs, particularly those affecting Canada and Mexico. Greer defended Trump's tariffs as necessary to address national security concerns, particularly the flow of fentanyl into the U.S., while acknowledging potential economic repercussions for states reliant on trade, like Vermont. Senators raised alarms about the adverse effects of retaliatory tariffs on American farmers and ranchers, with Greer emphasizing the need to gain market access in countries with high tariffs on U.S. agricultural products. He also addressed concerns about Brazil's ethanol tariffs, asserting the importance of achieving a level playing field in trade. Despite the potential costs of such tariffs, Greer maintained that national security and public health must be prioritized. The hearing underscored the delicate balance between imposing tariffs for protective measures and the risk of sparking trade wars that could harm the U.S. economy.