U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer faced Congress to discuss the impact of the Trump administration’s trade policies, specifically tariffs. His testimony came amidst growing concerns about these policies’ long-term economic consequences, including market volatility and potential for strained international relations. Greer argues that these tariffs are essential to protecting U.S. manufacturing jobs and ensuring a shift away from solely financial activities and government spending towards production-focused industries. He cited earlier successes such as trade concessions with Argentina and Israel as evidence of their positive effects. However, market reactions have been mixed, with investors expressing heightened concerns about potential sustained trade wars and rising consumer prices. While some Republican lawmakers, including Senators Chuck Grassley and Maria Cantwell, are pushing for legislation to curb unilateral tariffs, leadership remains largely supportive of Trump’s approach. This has created a complex legislative landscape as Congress grapples with the future trajectory of these policies. Greer also drew parallels with China’s WTO entry in 2001, arguing that the current tariffs are designed to address past trade deficits and foster domestic economic growth. The testimony underscores ongoing discussions regarding further legislative action if economic impacts prove negative, while analysts warn about potential retaliatory measures from countries like China. The focus on protecting domestic industries continues to be a central theme in U.S. trade policy.