A Senate hearing for Robert Lighthizer, the Trump administration’s nominee to be the US trade representative, shows GOP splits on policy.
President Trump ‘s nominee to be the top U. S. trade negotiator, getting a hearing before the Senate after a long delay, passionately defended his future White House boss against concerns that the president’s business interests abroad could compromise America’s trade objectives.
Robert Lighthizer, named to be the U. S. trade representative, is well regarded by many on both sides of the aisle as a knowledgeable, aggressive and seasoned trade negotiator with deep experience in the private sector and government.
He was introduced at the hearing Tuesday as a « bulldog » by Bob Dole , the respected former senator for whom Lighthizer once worked, and there was every indication that he will eventually win full Senate confirmation.
Yet the hearing made clear the tough job that Lighthizer will have. It exposed differences within the Republican Party on the Trump administration’s trade approach as well as lingering concerns about the president’s refusal to liquidate his private businesses around the world and the potential conflict of interest that his holdings might present.
Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) began her questioning by noting that Trump had not kept his campaign promise to label China a currency manipulator as soon as he took office. Then she pointed out that the Chinese government had recently approved 38 trademark applications for the Trump brand that could be used to help any potential properties and other businesses in China.
« How will you handle the situation, » she asked, noting « the business interests of the president [and] his family in countries where we need to be tough on that country in order to protect American jobs. »
Lighthizer responded that he did not know anything about Trump’s trademarks or about his personal holdings, which are now managed by his sons but still owned by Trump. The family’s businesses include hotels, golf properties and licensing rights in many countries.
« With the time I spent with the president, any suggestion that he would do anything at all that’s not in the national interest, first, middle and last, is just not correct, » Lighthizer said.
« The idea that this president would do anything untoward is so far out of the realm of possibility. »
On China’s currency manipulation, Lighthizer said the decision was up to the Treasury secretary.
