U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer speaks with Bloomberg TV outside the White House on Friday, December 19, 2025, in Washington, DC.
Stephanie Reynolds | Bloomberg | Getty Images
“The whole reason the president imposed these tariffs was to try to impact the massive trade imbalance that we’ve had for years because of China, Vietnam, the European Union, etc.,” Greer said.
“If companies are going to get this windfall, they should give it to their employees as a bonus or a raise, because that’s what this program is for. That’s always been the purpose of the program. And the American people should receive it, and companies should give it to their employees.”
In a ruling last month, the Supreme Court said President Trump did not have the authority to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which imposes tariffs on imports from most countries around the world.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he expects tariffs to return to pre-Supreme Court levels by August as the Trump administration uses various other authorities to impose tariffs on imports.
On Wednesday and Thursday, Mr. Greer’s office launched trade investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 in nearly 80 countries and economies. Countries surveyed include China, Japan, India, Mexico, and the European Union.
Section 301 allows the United States to impose tariffs on imports from countries found to engage in unfair trade practices.
President Trump has invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act, imposing a 10% tariff on imported goods worldwide. These tariffs will last only 150 days unless Congress approves an extension.
