Robert Lighthizer

Robert Lighthizer served as United States Trade Representative from 2017 to 2021, where he was the chief architect of former President Trump's trade policies and negotiations with China. Prior to this role, he worked as a trade lawyer and partner at the law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. During his tenure as USTR, Lighthizer led major trade initiatives including the renegotiation of NAFTA into the USMCA agreement and the implementation of tariffs on Chinese goods. He is known for taking a hardline stance on China's trade practices and advocating for protectionist policies to support U.S. manufacturing. In 2023, Lighthizer published "No Trade Is Free: Changing Course to Get Americans a Better Deal," a book that critiques decades of U.S. free trade policies. The work outlines his views on how globalization and trade agreements have impacted American workers and industries. Earlier in his career, Lighthizer served as Deputy USTR under President Reagan in the 1980s, where he negotiated trade agreements and worked on measures to counter Japan's rising economic influence. He has consistently advocated for trade policies that prioritize American industrial interests and workers over pure free-market principles.

Readers see Lighthizer primarily as a trade policy expert rather than an author, with most reviews focusing on his 2023 book "No Trade Is Free." The book receives praise for explaining complex trade concepts in straightforward terms, though some note it can be repetitive. Readers appreciated: - Clear examples of how trade policies affect workers - Historical context for US trade relationships - Inside perspective from his USTR role Common criticisms: - Too focused on manufacturing jobs - Oversimplifies some economic concepts - Limited discussion of technology/services trade Review scores: Amazon: 4.5/5 (156 reviews) Goodreads: 4.2/5 (89 ratings) Notable reader comments: "Finally someone explains trade deficits in terms regular people can understand" - Amazon reviewer "Makes good points about China but ignores the benefits of trade with allies" - Goodreads review "More of a policy argument than a balanced analysis" - Goodreads review

Never Give an Inch: Fighting for the America I Love (2023) A memoir detailing Lighthizer's experiences as U.S. Trade Representative during the Trump administration, focusing on trade negotiations with China and the implementation of the USMCA agreement.