Tariff proponent Lighthizer reportedly asked to run trade in Trump administration

President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly asked former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, a high-profile protectionist and critic of past trade deals, to reprise his role and once again lead trade policy in the incoming administration.

If he takes the role as U.S. trade representative, Lighthizer would oversee the biggest transformation of U.S. trade policy in modern history should the Trump administration follow through on its campaign promises to impose universal tariffs. Lighthizer was gunning for other roles in the administration, but Trump asked him to lead trade, according to a report from the Financial Times.