In a notable shift within the Trump administration’s trade apparatus, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has expanded his influence, taking on a more prominent role in shaping the United States’ trade policies and negotiations. This development comes amid ongoing efforts to recalibrate trade relationships with key partners including India, Mexico, and China.

Earlier in President Trump’s second term, Greer was largely seen as a secondary figure in the administration’s complex trade portfolio, which is officially divided between the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and the Commerce Department, led by Secretary Howard Lutnick. Initially, tensions emerged between the two officials, highlighted by an incident in which Greer met with an Indian economic delegate without Lutnick’s presence. That meeting was subsequently redone with Lutnick in attendance, underscoring early ambiguities over who was steering U.S. trade policy.

However, recent developments indicate that Greer is now taking lead responsibilities in several high-profile trade discussions. In June 2026, Greer traveled to India where he met with Trade Minister Piyush Goyal and other officials to advance a trade agreement between the two democracies—without Lutnick’s involvement. Greer is also managing renegotiations of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) scheduled for this summer and is spearheading efforts to rebuild the administration’s global tariff regime after the Supreme Court struck down many of Trump’s initial levies earlier this year.

Greer’s portfolio further includes oversight of a newly established U.S.-China Board of Trade aimed at managing commerce between the world’s largest economies, as well as leading negotiations related to critical mineral supplies with various countries. He has significantly increased his public profile, frequently appearing on television as a spokesperson for the administration’s trade agenda.

Lutnick, for his part, continues to play a key role in handling trade and investment discussions with Japan, South Korea, and the European Union, particularly focusing on national-security tariffs covering steel, aluminum, and automobiles. According to a White House spokesman, the division of responsibilities between Lutnick and Greer corresponds to the distinct statutory authorities granted to the Commerce Department and the USTR.

The relationship between the two has reportedly stabilized, with both officials described as working “very closely and constructively.” Nonetheless, leadership questions lingered in the past. Lawmakers expressed frustration during a House hearing in April 2025 when President Trump abruptly paused his so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs without prior notice to Greer, fueling concerns about unclear trade leadership.

Complications have also arisen in dealings with Mexico. Early in his tenure, Lutnick reportedly drew criticism for controversial remarks accusing Mexico’s government of cartel influence, a charge that Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard publicly challenged. While the Commerce Department denied the interaction occurred, it highlighted ongoing tensions. Numerous U.S. and Mexican business sources indicate a preference for working with Greer, despite his support for maintaining higher tariffs on Mexican goods as part of USMCA renegotiations.

Trade experts note that Greer has carefully framed the incoming tariffs intended to replace the invalidated “Liberation Day” duties. Unlike the previous tariffs, which were based on novel and ultimately rejected presidential authority, the new levies are expected to rely on Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. This provision authorizes tariffs in response to unfair trade practices following formal investigations.

Critics, however, question the impartiality of such investigations given the administration’s public commitment to aggressive tariff policies. Jake Colvin, head of the National Foreign Trade Council, expressed skepticism that the administration’s actions represent genuine trade enforcement, suggesting instead that they serve as a means to reinforce a broader tariff framework.

As the Trump administration moves forward with its trade agenda amid legal challenges and internal shifts, Greer’s ascent signals a recalibration of power within the team tasked with managing U.S. commerce on the global stage.