President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Kevin Hassett to lead the National Economic Council (NEC), placing the veteran economist at the forefront of the administration’s decision-making 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 Jan. 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 CEA, Hassett played a critical role in supporting the 2017 Republican tax cuts and defending the administration’s aggressive tariff policies, which targeted key trading partners such as China, Mexico and Canada. Known for his conservative economic views, Hassett has also worked on issues such as 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 implemented, would effectively dismantle the current North American Free Trade Agreement. Trump justified the tariffs as a response to illegal immigration and trafficking in illicit drugs like 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 tax policy. His support for tax reform and business deregulation made him a key figure in shaping Trump’s economic initiatives during his 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, an experienced trade law attorney, will play a crucial role in navigating the complexities of Trump’s proposed tariff increases and reshaping agreements with major trading partners.
In addition to Hassett and Greer, Trump recently signaled his intent 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 aligned with his vision of economic nationalism. Hassett, in particular, has demonstrated his ability to support Trump’s most controversial policies, including his use of tariffs as leverage in trade negotiations and his tough stance on immigration. During his first stint in the administration, Hassett worked closely with Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser, to advance immigration policies and end waivers for countries that buy Iranian oil.
As head of the NEC, Hassett will be responsible for coordinating economic policy within the administration and advising Trump on crucial issues ranging from trade disputes to domestic economic growth. With the United States facing persistent inflation concerns, a slowing global economy, and potential trade tensions, Hassett’s role will be critical in shaping the administration’s response to these challenges.
Trump’s proposed tariff increases have already sparked debate among economists and politicians. Critics say such measures could disrupt global supply chains and push up consumer prices in the United States, exacerbating inflationary pressures. Supporters, however, see tariffs as a necessary tool to protect American industries and address issues such as illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
Hassett’s experience and alignment with Trump’s economic priorities suggest he will take an active role in advocating and implementing these policies. His appointment signals the administration’s continued focus on trade reform, tax cuts and deregulation as key pillars of its economic strategy.
As Trump prepares to take office, the framing of his economic team underscores the administration’s intent to pursue a bold and assertive economic agenda. With Hassett leading the NEC, the administration is poised to address some of its most pressing economic challenges while advancing Trump’s vision of “America First” policies.