Donald Trump Appoints Kevin Hassett to Lead National Economic Council Amid Plans for Tariff Hikes

Washington D.C. Welcomes New Economic Leaders

In an important move for the upcoming administration, President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Kevin Hassett to lead the National Economic Council. This appointment places Hassett at the heart of the administration’s discussions on critical economic decisions including trade, taxation, and deregulation.

Key Appointments Announced

The announcement was made via a post on Truth Social, and along with Hassett, attorney Jamieson Greer has been designated as the U.S. Trade Representative. This news brings Trump one step closer to finalizing his economic team, with only the U.S. trade representative position remaining to be filled.

Hassett has some experience in this role; during Trump’s first term, he served for two years as the chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. His previous responsibilities included supporting Trump’s corporate tax cuts and defending the administration’s harsh tariffs on certain foreign goods. The 62-year-old economic expert has also worked closely with Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, on matters of immigration policy.

Plans for Tariffs Revealed

This appointment is timely as Trump has reiterated his intention to raise tariffs. The plan involves increasing tariffs by an extra 10% on all Chinese goods entering the U.S. and imposing 25% tariffs on products imported from both Mexico and Canada, thus potentially dismantling existing free trade agreements with these countries. Trump cited concerns over illegal immigration and the illicit drug trade as the main reasons behind these tariff hikes.

Hassett’s Background

Before his time in the Trump administration, Hassett was a scholar of fiscal policy at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank. His expertise in economic matters makes him a significant player in shaping the country’s economic policies under Trump. The President-elect also indicated plans to nominate Scott Bessent, the founder of hedge fund Key Square Group, to serve as Treasury Secretary in the near future.

Looking Ahead to Inauguration

As January 20 approaches, Trump is set to be inaugurated once again as President of the United States. The appointments of Hassett and Greer mark a critical step in solidifying Trump’s economic agenda for the future, indicating a focus on strict trade policies and financial regulations aimed at bolstering the American economy.

Public Reactions

The public and economic experts are keenly observing these developments. The effectiveness of Hassett’s past policies will likely be a point of discussion as he takes on this new role. Observers are particularly interested in how these decisions will impact consumer prices, international relationships, and overall economic growth moving forward.

In conclusion, with the finalization of key economic appointments, the administration expects a robust approach to tackling financial issues. The outlined policies indicate a readiness to engage in firm trade negotiations that could reshape both domestic and international markets.