President-elect Donald Trump is considering Washington trade lawyer Jeffrey Kessler to head the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), a pivotal role in U.S.-China tech tensions, according to sources.
Kessler, a partner at WilmerHale, previously served as assistant secretary for enforcement and compliance during Trump’s first term, where he oversaw trade enforcement regulations and anti-dumping investigations. If chosen, Kessler would manage export controls on U.S. technology, particularly those destined for nations posing national security risks, such as China.
Under the Biden administration, Alan Estevez, a former Pentagon official, has led BIS. Estevez implemented stringent restrictions on semiconductors, Huawei Technologies, and AI chips, and plans to ban Chinese software and hardware in U.S. autonomous vehicles.
At WilmerHale, Kessler’s work focused on U.S.-China trade issues, aiding clients in navigating Chinese trade barriers and compliance with sanctions, export controls, and forced labor laws tied to Uyghurs. His bio highlights his expertise in supporting U.S. companies in IP-intensive industries and resolving trade disputes.
Kessler’s academic background includes a philosophy degree from Yale University, a law degree and master’s in economics from Stanford, and a master’s in philosophy from the University of Chicago.
During Trump’s first term, Kessler spearheaded an overhaul of trade enforcement rules, monitored international compliance with trade agreements, and contributed to a 2021 tariff ceasefire with the EU and Britain.
Spokespersons for the Trump transition team and Kessler have not commented.
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