Suspicious Cat smells some possible streamlining and downsizing afoot.
Not only has President Trump announced the nomination of Howard Lutnick as Commerce Secretary, but he has also announced that Lutnick will carry the role and “responsibility for the Office of the United States Trade Representative” (USTR).
Perhaps in the second term President Trump and Howard Lutnick are going to fold the USTR into the Dept of Commerce? Interesting.
Hopefully, Howard Lutnick, like Wilbur Ross, will keep the U.S. Chamber of Commerce blocked from influence over the upcoming trade discussions and potential trade agreements. We note that former USTR Lighthizer was part of the transition discussion, and it seems odd his name has not surfaced…. yet.
Regardless, Howard Lutnick is an excellent choice for all the reasons previously outlined.
Now we have a slight problem of how to label the MAGAnomic Trade Wolverines for the second term. lol
I still suspect there will be a global division of responsibilities with a lead facing Europe and another trade lead facing Asia. One thing is certain, President Trump will personally direct every aspect of the trade negotiations.
It will be interesting again to watch this unfold.
I shall order extra winnamins for Suspicious Cat.