U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has been at the center of the Trump administration's aggressive trade policy implementation in recent days, engaging in high-level diplomatic meetings and defending the administration's tariff strategy before Congress.

On May 2, 2025, Ambassador Greer, along with Treasury Secretary Scott K.H. Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, met with Japan's Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa Ryosei. During these discussions, described as "frank and constructive," Greer emphasized concerns about tariffs, non-tariff measures, and economic security issues. The meeting resulted in an agreement to immediately begin working-level consultations to strengthen the U.S.-Japan trade relationship.

Earlier in April, Greer faced intense questioning from lawmakers during Congressional hearings. On April 9, he testified before both the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee regarding the administration's trade agenda. During these appearances, Republican senators expressed unusually strong skepticism about the potential economic impacts of the administration's sweeping tariff strategy. Senator Thom Tillis notably pressed Greer on accountability, asking "Whose throat do I get to choke if this proves to be wrong?" regarding concerns about possible economic downturn.

Despite the pushback, Greer held firm on the administration's position, telling senators that Trump's team would not change tactics on tariffs in the near term. He acknowledged that some pain for businesses would be necessary to bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States.

In an April 13 interview on CBS's "Face the Nation," Greer defended the administration's 90-day reciprocal tariff pause announced in early April. When asked about the feasibility of negotiating deals with approximately 70 countries within this timeframe, Greer emphasized that discussions had already begun before the pause was announced. He stated his goal was "to get meaningful deals before 90 days" and expressed confidence that agreements with several countries would be reached "in the next few weeks."

The administration has characterized its approach as transformational, with Greer noting during the Ways and Means Committee hearing that more than 75 nations have reached out to the Trump administration seeking to reset their trade relationships. Greer specifically called out the European Union as one of the "worst offenders" in erecting non-tariff barriers that impede American agricultural exports.

As the administration works to implement its "America First" trade policy, Greer and his team are facing the challenge of addressing the $1.2 trillion trade deficit inherited from the previous administration while navigating complex international negotiations and domestic economic concerns.

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