President-elect Donald Trump revealed his decision to appoint Peter Navarro, a recent inmate for non-compliance with a congressional subpoena dated January 6, as his senior counselor for trade and manufacturing.
At 75, Navarro will reassume a role closely resembling his previous appointment in Trump’s initial administration, where he was instrumental in forming critical trade policies. His appointment ensues a few months after completing a four-month prison term for his refusal to cooperate with a House committee’s investigation into the Capitol attack.
“I am pleased to announce that Peter Navarro, a man who was treated horribly by the Deep State, or whatever else you would like to call it, will serve as my senior counselor for trade and manufacturing,” Trump proclaimed on Truth Social.
During his first stint, Navarro acted as a White House trade advisor and was recognized as a vocal China critic, advocating for defensive tariffs. He was a key player in executing Trump’s “Buy American, Hire American” strategies and played a significant role in renegotiating trade deals including NAFTA and the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement.
In September 2023, Navarro was found guilty of two contempt of Congress charges for his failure to testify before the House Select Committee investigating the events of January 6. He received a four-month prison sentence and was directed to pay a $9,500 penalty.
This appointment reflects Trump’s continuing emphasis on protectionist trade strategies. Trump has hinted at plans to impose 25% tariffs on trading allies like Canada and Mexico, as well as potential 100% duties on Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa if they seek alternatives to the U.S. dollar.
Navarro’s legal representatives unsuccessfully appealed his conviction to the Supreme Court, arguing that his prosecution was an attack on executive privilege and the principle of separation of powers. However, the appellate court ruled that Trump had never officially invoked executive privilege in relation to Navarro’s testimony.