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Greer confirmed as U.S. Trade Representative

Jamieson Greer is now the U.S. Trade Representative.  The U.S. Senate voted Wednesday to confirm Greer as President Trump’s trade deal leader.  Greer’s nomination cleared the Senate with a 56-43 vote. 

The former lawyer and Judge Advocate General in the Air Force served as U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer’s chief of staff during Trump’s first term, where he was instrumental in negotiating the USMCA agreement with Canada and Mexico, and imposing tariffs on China.

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In a statement Wednesday, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor congratulated Greer saying, “After a record-setting year for ethanol exports, the U.S. biofuels industry is more focused than ever on accelerating growth through international sales.  Accomplishing this goal, however, will require a strong voice to speak on behalf of America’s farmers and biofuel producers when negotiating new trade agreements, expanding export markets, and addressing unfair trade issues facing U.S. ethanol. Mr. Greer is qualified to represent the American ethanol industry and its farm partners on the global stage, and we look forward to working with him and with our champions in Congress to make trade fairer and more beneficial for the rural economy.” 

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says, “AFBF congratulates Jamieson Greer on his confirmation to serve as the next United States Trade Representative. He steps into the job at a critical time for American agriculture. Growing trade imbalances and potential tariffs by trading partners threaten to hit rural Americans with more economic hardships at a time when they are already dealing with high supply costs and shrinking paychecks.  Mr. Greer’s experience with trade issues will help create a level playing field to help farmers and ranchers compete internationally and continue to address food needs around the world.”

In a statement, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom says, “USMEF congratulates Ambassador Greer on his confirmation, and we look forward to working with him to expand global opportunities for U.S. beef, pork and lamb. Though often overlooked, significant market access improvements for U.S. red meat were achieved under the previous Trump administration in critical markets such as Japan, China and Europe, with Ambassador Greer playing a key role at USTR.”

Brian Kuehl is the Executive Director of Farmers for Free Trade.  In a statement, he says, “Farmers for Free Trade congratulates Ambassador Jamieson Greer on his confirmation as U.S. Trade Representative. American farmers, ranchers, and growers rely on strong trade policies that expand market access, reduce barriers, and ensure their products can compete on a level playing field. We look forward to working closely with Ambassador Greer to advance policies that put American agriculture first by growing export opportunities, knocking down non-tariff barriers, and opening new doors for the high-quality products our producers work tirelessly to bring to market.  At a time when global markets are more competitive than ever, it is critical that we avoid self-inflicted wounds that could limit our ability to sell American-grown products abroad. Our farmers deserve policies that enhance, rather than hinder, their access to international consumers. We urge Ambassador Greer to prioritize trade agreements and enforcement measures that ensure fair treatment for U.S. agricultural products, while fostering strong, lasting partnerships with our global trading partners. We stand ready to support efforts that keep American agriculture competitive and thriving in the world marketplace.”

The U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) issued a joint statement Wednesday.  CEO Chandler Goule says, “We welcome the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Jamieson Greer to fill the position of U.S. Trade Representative. Both organizations are pleased with Greer’s past work in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. As chief of staff for former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Greer was involved in many important trade negotiations, including those that led to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.  With over 50 percent of U.S. wheat heading to overseas markets, trade is a major priority for wheat growers. NAWG looks forward to working with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to promote free trade and expand export markets for our nation’s producers.”

This story shall be updated as more reaction to Greer’s confirmation comes in.