President-elect Donald Trump on Monday selected Robert Lighthizer, JD, to serve as the country's chief trade negotiator. Based on his history as an experienced trade lawyer, Mr. Lighthizer is a well-suited pick for an administration set on reducing imports to stimulate U.S. business and manufacturing, reports The Wall Street Journal.
As a U.S. trade representative, Mr. Lighthizer would be responsible for negotiating international trade agreements that lower overseas barriers to U.S. products sold abroad, according to the report.
If the Senate confirms his post, Mr. Lighthizer would work alongside Wilbur Ross — Mr. Trump's pick for Commerce Secretary — and economist Peter Navarro, who is slated to head a new trade council at the White House.
"I am fully committed to President-elect Trump's mission to level the playing field for American workers and forge better trade policies which will benefit all Americans," Mr. Lighthizer said in a statement.
Mr. Lighthizer previously served as a deputy trade representative during the Reagan administration, where he briefly worked with former Senator Bill Brock (R-Tenn.), according to the report.
"He is in most ways if not many ways in line with Mr. Trump's comments during the campaign," Sen. Brock told WSJ. "He's very bright, he's very aggressive."
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