President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Kevin Hassett to lead the National Economic Council (NEC), placing the seasoned economist at the forefront of the administration’s policymaking on trade, taxes, and deregulation. The announcement, made by Trump on his social media platform Truth Social, marks a significant step in finalizing his economic team ahead of inauguration day on January 20.
Hassett, who previously served as chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) during Trump’s first term, is no stranger to the administration’s economic agenda. During his tenure at the CEA, Hassett played a pivotal role in advocating for the 2017 Republican tax cuts and defending the administration’s aggressive tariff policies, which targeted key trading partners like China, Mexico, and Canada. Known for his conservative economic views, Hassett has also collaborated on issues like immigration reform and sanctions policy.
This new appointment places Hassett at the center of Trump’s ambitious economic plans, which include raising tariffs on Chinese imports by an additional 10% and imposing a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada. These measures, if enacted, would effectively dismantle the existing North American free trade agreement. Trump has justified the tariffs as a response to illegal immigration and the trafficking of illicit drugs such as fentanyl.
Hassett’s return to the White House highlights his strong alignment with Trump’s economic philosophy. Before joining the administration in 2017, Hassett was a tax policy scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank, where he gained prominence for his expertise in fiscal policy. His support for corporate tax reform and deregulation made him a key figure in shaping Trump’s economic initiatives during the first term.
The announcement of Hassett’s appointment comes as Trump also moves to fill other critical economic roles. On Tuesday, he named attorney Jamieson Greer as the next U.S. Trade Representative, tasking him with overseeing the administration’s trade negotiations and enforcement policies. Greer, a seasoned trade lawyer, will play a crucial role in navigating the complexities of Trump’s proposed tariff increases and reshaping agreements with key trade partners.
In addition to Hassett and Greer, Trump recently signaled his intention to nominate Scott Bessent as Treasury secretary. Bessent, the founder of hedge fund Key Square Group, is a highly regarded figure in financial markets and is expected to bring a pragmatic approach to managing the administration’s fiscal and monetary policies.
The appointments reflect Trump’s commitment to assembling a team that aligns with his vision of economic nationalism. Hassett, in particular, has demonstrated his ability to support Trump’s more controversial policies, including the use of tariffs as leverage in trade negotiations and his hardline stance on immigration. During his first stint in the administration, Hassett worked closely with Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor, to advance immigration policies and end waivers for countries purchasing Iranian oil.
As head of the NEC, Hassett will be responsible for coordinating economic policy across the administration and advising Trump on critical issues ranging from trade disputes to domestic economic growth. With the U.S. facing persistent inflation concerns, a slowing global economy, and potential trade tensions, Hassett’s role will be pivotal in shaping the administration’s response to these challenges.
Trump’s proposed tariff increases have already sparked debate among economists and policymakers. Critics argue that such measures could disrupt global supply chains and drive up consumer prices in the United States, exacerbating inflationary pressures. Proponents, however, view the tariffs as a necessary tool to protect American industries and address issues like illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
Hassett’s experience and alignment with Trump’s economic priorities suggest that he will take an active role in defending and implementing these policies. His appointment signals a continuation of the administration’s focus on trade reform, tax cuts, and deregulation as key pillars of its economic strategy.
As Trump prepares to take office, the finalization of his economic team underscores the administration’s intent to pursue a bold and assertive economic agenda. With Hassett at the helm of the NEC, the administration is poised to tackle some of the most pressing economic challenges while advancing Trump’s vision of “America First” policies.
