Wilbur Ross has been confirmed by the United States Senate on Monday to serve as President Donald Trump's secretary of commerce.
Ross, a billionaire investor and former Democrat, was confirmed by a vote of 72 to 27, the New York Times reports. Ross's confirmation arrived just in time for upcoming fights between Congress and the Trump administration regarding the budget, taxes, Obamacare, and trade. Ross has been advising Trump on economic matters before the confirmation vote took place.
Ross has divested himself of most of his holdings to avoid conflicts of interest in anticipation of his confirmation. During his confirmation hearings, Ross described his views on trade, saying, "I am pro-trade, but I am pro-sensible trade."
Although Ross made part of his fortune through international deals with countries including China and Mexico, he will prioritize renegotiating trade deals with these countries. Regarding NAFTA, Ross said in a January hearing that "all aspects" of the agreement are in jeopardy, and that it is "logically the first thing for us to deal with."
Ross said he wants to put his knowledge of the global economy to use by helping lower and middle class Americans, the Times reports.
Trump sent out a tweet congratulating Ross shortly after his confirmation.
Congratulations to our new Secretary of @CommerceGov, Wilbur Ross! pic.twitter.com/pMmlLRzwky
— President Trump (@POTUS) February 28, 2017