Jamieson Greer Defends Trump Trade Policies Before House Committee

Jamieson Greer, the US Trade Representative, testified before the House Ways and Means Committee on April 23, 2026, to defend the Trump administration's protectionist trade strategy. Greer reported that the goods trade deficit has fallen by 24 percent since the launch of the program in April 2025, attributing this shift to the use of tariffs as economic leverage to secure market access.

During the hearing, Greer framed the administration's approach as one of reciprocal and balanced trade intended to reverse 50 years of offshoring. He asserted that the policy is prioritizing the rebuilding of domestic manufacturing and the strengthening of supply chains to decrease reliance on foreign sources.

While Democratic lawmakers questioned whether these tariffs contribute to inflation and higher consumer costs, Greer rejected those claims. He maintained that American manufacturing workers are producing more goods and receiving higher pay as a result of the shift toward protecting domestic markets.