Chairs

The Honorable Robert Lighthizer

Chair, Center for American Trade

Liberty does not exist in the absence of morality.

- Edmond Burke

Download Headshot

Robert Lighthizer is originally from Ashtabula, Ohio, and serves as the Chair of the Center for American Trade at AFPI. Prior to joining AFPI, Lighthizer served as the 18th United States Trade Representative (USTR) under President Donald Trump. Alongside President Trump, Lighthizer engineered a historic trade agreement with China that put American workers, farmers, and manufacturers first. An experienced trade negotiator and litigator, Lighthizer has dedicated his life working for equitable trade enforcement for the U.S. and has an impressive record of fighting for American workers, farmers, manufacturers, and businesses. Prior to joining the Trump Administration, Lighthizer was a partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, LLP (Skadden), where he practiced international trade law for over 30 years. Before joining Skadden, Lighthizer served as Deputy USTR for President Ronald Reagan. During his tenure, Lighthizer negotiated over two dozen bilateral international agreements, including agreements on steel, automobiles, and agricultural products. As Deputy USTR, he also served as Vice Chairman of the Board of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. Lighthizer earned a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center. He has two children and in his free time enjoys playing golf.

Areas of Expertise

Trade, 

Written by

Reset

Topics

Type

Videos

Selected...

An America First Approach To U.S. National Security

More Chairs

See All Chairs

The Honorable Linda McMahon

Chair of the Board and Chair, Center for the American Worker

Kellyanne Conway

Chair, Center for the American Child

The Honorable Bobby Jindal

Chair, Center for a Healthy America

Ambassador Carla Sands

Vice Chair, Center for Energy & Environment

Join The
Movement



By providing your information, you become a member of America First Policy Institute and consent to receive emails. By checking the opt in box, you consent to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Text STOP to opt-out or HELP for help. SMS opt in will not be sold, rented, or shared. You can view our Privacy Policy and Mobile Terms of Service here.