An adviser to President Donald Trump with a "pugnacious personality" — and who was recently released from prison — is causing "consternation" on Capitol Hill, even among Republicans.
That's according to new reporting in the Wall Street Journal, which found that in the absence of two key Trump nominees — U.S. Trade Representative nominee Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary nominee Howard Lutnick, both of whom have yet to be confirmed — a "singular figure has risen as a leader of the trade agenda: Peter Navarro."
Navarro is an economist, author, and former government official who served as a trade advisor to Trump during his first term. Trump recently announced Navarro would be among the few to return to his administration, and serve as the senior counselor for trade and manufacturing.
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Navarro's trade views notably break with mainstream economists. He has backed the reduction of trade deficits and accused Germany and China of currency manipulation. He has also pushed Trump to implement protectionist trade policies and advocated for hardline policies against China, with China once sanctioning him.
Navarro was a key driving force behind Trump's day-one trade policy memo, the Journal reported, which included slapping tariffs on aluminum and steel. He also played a major role in the White House unveiling reciprocal tariffs.
But not everyone in the GOP appears to be on board.
"The influence of Navarro, one of a few of Trump’s first-term inner circle returning for a second run, is causing some consternation on Capitol Hill, especially among Republicans with agriculture or manufacturing in their states," the Journal reported. "They have expressed concern about the White House’s no-exceptions approach to tariffs and how that approach might spark inflation and retaliation from other countries."
Among them: Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), who told the newspaper Navarro's influence in Trump's tariff policy is "why we gotta get Greer confirmed."
“There are some people advising the president who view every tariff as found money,” Tillis said. “There are revenues to be derived from tariffs, but they have to be discounted against markets closing."
Also expressing concerns: Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI).
“Even the president has admitted there’s going to be pain [from tariffs], and I think in Wisconsin we’re going to have a lot of people experiencing that pain,” Johnson told the outlet.
He added: “I’m hoping the administration is going to be sensitive to that and help alleviate that."