Robert Lighthizer: ‘Absolutely’ OK to use tariffs to squeeze nations on non-trade issues
- Testifying on Trump’s recent tariff threats on Mexico, US trade representative says ‘you do what you have to do’ when national security is involved
- Asked by senators if Washington should impose tariffs on countries not doing enough to block Huawei, Lighthizer says it would be up to president
This story is published in a content partnership with POLITICO. It was originally reported by Megan Cassela on politico.com on June 18, 2019.
US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said on Tuesday he sees no issue with President Donald Trump's inclination to use tariffs to pressure countries to make policy changes in areas unrelated to trade, specifically when they present threats to national security.
Lighthizer, in testifying before the Senate Finance Committee, was asked about Trump's recent move to threaten tariffs against Mexico unless the country significantly increased its efforts to stem the flow of Central Americans seeking asylum in the US.
“I think if you get to the point where you think it's a national crisis, a national security problem, you do what you have to do. Absolutely,” Lighthizer told Senator Bob Menendez. “And I would suggest any member would do that.”
Menendez then pressed Lighthizer as to whether it would be appropriate to use tariffs in other non-trade situations that could be interpreted as posing a threat to national security.