Trump Trade Chief Jamieson Greer Justifies Tariff Strategy During Heated Senate Finance Hearing

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Washington D.C., April 8, 2025 — In a tense hearing before the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday, Jamieson Greer, the U.S. Trade Representative under President Donald Trump, offered a strong defense of the administration’s broad tariff agenda, declaring it a response to a “national emergency” caused by decades of growing trade deficits.

Greer said the tariffs, which are set to go into full effect on April 9, are intended to reset unfair trade terms and eliminate non-reciprocal barriers from major trading partners. His remarks come amid mounting political and economic scrutiny over the global fallout of Trump’s tariff blitz.

“President Trump declared a national emergency in response to the large and persistent trade deficit,” Greer said in prepared remarks. “This deficit is driven in part by non-reciprocal tariffs, trading barriers, and economic policies pursued by our foreign partners.”

“The Strategy Is Working,” Says Greer

Greer emphasized that the tariff strategy is already achieving diplomatic traction.

“Nearly 50 countries have approached me to discuss the President’s new policy and explore how to achieve reciprocity,” he said.

He argued that the administration’s hardline stance has pushed traditionally resistant countries to the negotiating table and has exposed long-standing non-tariff barriers that have hindered U.S. exports for decades.

Senator Wyden Pushes Back: “Time to Take Power Back”

But not everyone agreed with Greer’s outlook. Sen. Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the committee, sharply criticized the administration’s approach.

“The Trump aimless, chaotic tariff spree has proven beyond a doubt that Congress has given far too much of our constitutional power on international trade over to the executive branch,” Wyden said.

He introduced a new privileged resolution aimed at reversing the latest round of tariffs, claiming they are “clobbering American families and small businesses.”

Greer Points to Non-Tariff Barriers from India and Australia

In the hearing, Jamieson Greer also highlighted non-tariff trade barriers imposed by key global partners:

• India was accused of maintaining restrictive licensing regimes and using “fake science” to block U.S. imports.
• Australia, he said, has imposed severe restrictions on U.S. beef and pork exports, particularly fresh and frozen pork, which he said Australia does not import at all.

“It’s not just beef. Australia blocks our pork exports on fake science grounds. That’s not trade — that’s obstruction,” Greer told the committee.

Greer: Trade Deficit Won’t Disappear Overnight

While defending the administration’s long-term vision, Jamieson Greer acknowledged that the massive trade deficit — a key motivator behind the tariffs — is not a short-term problem.

“Our large and persistent trade deficit has been over 30 years in the making, and it will not be resolved overnight,” he said. “But all of this is in the right direction.”

Greer argued that building reciprocal trade relationships and removing unscientific trade restrictions were critical steps in America’s economic rebalancing.

Immediate Action with Global Negotiations

Greer reaffirmed that Trump’s reciprocal tariffs will go into effect on April 9, while simultaneous negotiations with affected countries will continue.

“We will have the president’s plan go into effect, and we’re coupling that with immediate negotiations with our partners,” he said.

He underscored that many countries have signaled no plans to retaliate, and instead want to collaborate on removing unfair regulations and opening markets.

Jamieson Greer Positions Trump’s Tariffs as Reset Button

Tuesday’s Senate hearing cemented Jamieson Greer as a central figure in President Trump’s controversial trade policy. As bipartisan concerns grow over inflation and small business strain, Greer maintains that the policy is strategic, not impulsive — and that it’s already yielding global engagement.

With massive reciprocal tariffs launching April 9 and 50 countries reportedly in talks, the world is watching closely to see if Trump’s approach delivers the balance Greer promises — or if it ignites broader economic disruption.

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