Former Trump Official to Head GM’s Public Policy Team

General Motors Co. has appointed Everett Eissenstat, who had been a finance and trade adviser to President Donald Trump, as senior vice president for global public policy.

In his new role, Eissenstat will report directly to CEO Mary Barra. GM cites his broad experience in public policy in the U.S. and internationally.

Eissenstat most recently was the White House’s deputy assistant on international economic affairs and deputy director of the National Economic Council. He was the U.S. lead U.S. negotiator in the recent G-20, APEC and G-7 international economic summits.

Prior to joining the Trump administration, Eissenstat served as chief international trade counsel for the Senate finance committee from 2011 to 2017. He also was an assistant in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, where he helped to negotiate and implement international trade agreements for the Americas region for five years.

Eissenstat’s appointment comes as GM and other carmakers are pushing back against Trump’s increasing rhetoric and protectionist trade policies. The auto industry is urging the president not to impose tariffs or withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement.