Former Trump aide Peter Navarro finds himself back in a position of power following his four-month prison sentence for defying January 6 subpoenas.
According to Daily Mail, President-elect Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Peter Navarro, 75, will serve as senior counselor for trade and manufacturing in his upcoming administration.
The appointment demonstrates Trump's emphasis on loyalty and his continued focus on aggressive trade policies. Navarro, who was released from prison just before the Republican National Convention in July, told convention attendees that he "went to prison so you won't have to."
Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform, praising Navarro's previous service during his first term. The president-elect specifically highlighted Navarro's commitment to the "Buy American, Hire American" principles that were central to Trump's economic agenda.
In response to the appointment, Trump stated:
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. During my first term, few were more effective or tenacious than Peter in enforcing my two sacred rules, Buy American, Hire American.
Navarro's return to the White House comes alongside several other key appointments, including Michael Whatley as Republican National Committee chairman, Daniel Driscoll as Army secretary, Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator, and Adam Boehler as special presidential envoy for hostage affairs.
The appointment signals an aggressive approach to trade policy in Trump's second term. Navarro, known for his hawkish stance on China, previously clashed with Trump's economic advisers while pushing for tougher trade measures and higher tariffs.
Trump's new trade agenda includes plans to impose 25 percent tariffs on trading partners such as Canada and Mexico. The administration is also considering punitive tariffs of up to 100 percent on Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa if they pursue plans for a common currency to challenge the U.S. dollar.
Navarro's influence in the first Trump administration extended beyond trade policy, as he served on the pandemic response team and earned the president's personal trust, with Trump often referring to him as "my Pete" in private conversations.
Navarro's journey back to the White House follows his release from a four-month prison sentence he served alongside Steve Bannon for defying Congressional subpoenas related to the January 6 investigation. Both men were convicted for refusing to provide evidence to investigators.
During his time as a Trump adviser, Navarro was vocal in promoting claims of election fraud in 2020, sharing documents containing debunked allegations as part of efforts to overturn the election results. He has maintained that his conviction resulted from what he terms the "partisan weaponization of the judicial system."
Peter Navarro's appointment as senior counselor for trade and manufacturing marks a significant moment in Trump's preparation for his second term. The controversial figure will oversee crucial policy areas including international trade relations and domestic manufacturing initiatives, continuing the aggressive trade stance that characterized Trump's first administration.
The decision to bring Navarro back into the fold, despite his recent imprisonment, reflects Trump's dedication to rewarding loyalty and maintaining continuity with his previous term's economic policies. As the administration takes shape, Navarro's influence will likely be felt in renewed trade confrontations and enhanced focus on American manufacturing priorities.
