U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer was in the midst of his testimony before the House Ways and Means Committee when President Donald Trump declared a 90-day pause on new tariffs affecting most nations.
Check out the video in the player above.
Additionally, the president revealed an increase in tariffs on Chinese imports to 125 percent.
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Shortly after, Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev., questioned Greer about whether he was aware of the negotiations regarding this pause. He criticized the Trump official for allegedly keeping information hidden or being completely out of the loop.
“W-T-F! Who’s in charge?” Horsford shouted.
“It appears your boss just pulled the rug out from under you and paused the tariffs, affecting the American populace. There’s no plan. You just found out moments ago while sitting here, we could see it,” he elaborated.
Greer defended his remarks, stating he does not share his discussions with the president.
“These decisions have real implications for the American public and small businesses. Earlier today, I met with a group of small business owners discussing the repercussions of these tariffs on aluminum and steel. This is unprofessional, and it must end,” the legislator replied.
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Horsford outlined several impacts on American consumers resulting from the recent market instability triggered by the threat of significant global tariffs—such as losses to retirement and college savings accounts, along with effects on small businesses.
“If this was part of the plan all along, how is this not market manipulation?” Horsford probed.
“It is not market manipulation, sir,” Greer answered.
“It’s not a solid strategy,” Horsford asserted.
“We’re working to reset the global trade system,” Greer explained.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump mentioned he authorized the pause because over 75 countries had reached out to negotiate trade agreements, and those nations had not retaliated against his actions. The president also stated he was reducing reciprocal tariffs to 10 percent for those countries “effective immediately.”
Later on Wednesday, Trump noted that the decision to pause was made because people were becoming “yippy” and “anxious.”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent referred to Trump’s global trade strategy as a “successful negotiating tactic” in remarks made at the White House following the announcement.
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