By Tim Hanrahan and Gavin Bade

President Trump's announcement that he was pausing some tariffs for 90 days came as U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer was testifying in front of the House Ways and Means Committee. At 1:37 pm, less than 20 minutes after Trump's message, Rep. Steven Horsford (D., Nev.) pressed Greer on the decision.

"Are you aware the tariffs have been paused?" Horsford asked.

"I am, yes," said Greer. "I understand the decision was made a few minutes ago. It's been under discussion."

Horsford grew angry. "WTF. Who's in charge?"

"The president of the United States is in charge," said Greer.

Horsford came back at him. "This is amateur hour. It needs to stop. How are you in charge of negotiations if the president is tweeting about this from wherever the hell he is?"

Greer responded: "The president is elected and he runs the trade policy and I advise him and execute his trade policy."

Greer's explanation was not enough to satisfy Horsford.

"You just found out three seconds ago sitting here, we saw you," Horsford said, adding that it "looks like your boss just pulled the rug out from under you."

Trump's tariff announcement came after a White House meeting that featured Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, but notably not Greer. That sparked a bout of sympathy from Rep. Tom Suozzi (D., N.Y.), who noted that "the president made this switch-a-roo while you're here testifying," adding, "I actually feel bad for you."

After the hearing, Greer declined to comment.

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(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 09, 2025 14:54 ET (18:54 GMT)

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