Trump Selects Rubio, Noem, Homan for Key Trade and Security Roles
November 13, 2024 – President-elect Donald Trump is assembling his cabinet and high-ranking administration officials, following his election victory last week. He has selected Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) as Secretary of State, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security, and former ICE Director Tom Homan as “Border Czar.”
Like Homan, Robert Lighthizer is being considered for the position of “Trade Czar,” which would not require Senate confirmation. This post would coordinate the Trade policies of USTR, Commerce, and Treasury.
Learn more about Rubio, Noem, and Homan’s respective strategies.
Other Stories:
- AAEI and similar organizations focused on international trade met this week for a post-election alignment on advocacy and discussed potential Trump Administration appointees; potential legislation during the lame duck session; timing of policy campaign promises; and, a potential CBP staffing shortage.
- Importers are preparing for Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs by employing strategies like front-loading inventory and expediting shipping, while others are choosing to wait for more certainty on tariff implementation.
- A new KPMG report found that many U.S. businesses are strengthening their supply chain resilience by turning to more localized sources, an approach called Strategic Shoring, to minimize the negative impact of black swan events.
- The Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade reportedly expressed that renewing GSP and passing the MTB are on his “wish list” for the lame duck session. AAEI’s Trade Policy Committee is advocating for the renewal of these trade preference programs. The committee’s next meeting is on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. EST.
- The UK announced last week that it will further delay the rollout of its post-Brexit digital platform for importing and exporting, the Single Trade Window (STW), until at least 2026 due to “major challenges.”
- The EU’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) will be implemented for maritime and inland waterways operators next week at the house level, requiring them to submit complete Entry Summary Declaration data for all goods entering the EU.
