US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has strongly defended President Donald Trump’s tariff strategy, arguing that the policy has improved America’s position in global trade negotiations and supported efforts to rebuild domestic manufacturing.
In an interview with The New York Times, Greer said the administration’s trade measures had delivered significant results despite facing legal challenges. He maintained that major policy shifts often face resistance from groups benefiting from existing systems, but said the administration remained committed to changing long-standing trade practices.
Greer explained that the White House viewed the growing US trade deficit as a serious economic concern that required immediate action. According to him, implementing broad tariffs gave the United States greater leverage while negotiating updated trade agreements with international partners.
The trade representative highlighted that the tariff strategy contributed to new trade arrangements with several major economies, including the United Kingdom, European Union, Indonesia, India, and Japan. He said these agreements reflected the administration’s goal of creating a more balanced global trading environment for American businesses and workers.
Addressing legal setbacks, Greer acknowledged that the Supreme Court had rejected a major part of the administration’s tariff program. However, he said he had no regrets about the approach and argued that challenges were expected whenever significant economic policies disrupted established interests.
Greer added that the administration was exploring other legal pathways to continue advancing its trade objectives. He emphasized that the broader mission was to reshape US trade policy, reduce the trade deficit, encourage companies to bring production back to the country, and improve economic opportunities for American workers.
The trade official rejected claims that tariffs had become politically difficult to sustain, saying their impact should be evaluated over time. He argued that the policy was designed to protect wages, manufacturing jobs, and agricultural production rather than deliver short-term results.
Greer said rebuilding America’s industrial capacity would require patience but pointed to early signs of progress, including increased factory investments, stronger manufacturing wages, and improved productivity across the industrial sector.
He maintained that the administration’s trade strategy was focused on creating long-term economic benefits and strengthening the position of American workers in the global marketplace.
