Trump Reportedly Ready to Dump Ross as Commerce Secretary

President Donald Trump is likely to replace Wilbur Ross as secretary of the Dept. of Commerce by year-end, according to media reports.

Analysts note that doing so could create new uncertainty about future U.S. trade policy toward China, the European Union and Japan.

The CNBC cable news network says Ross’ likely replacement is Linda McMahon, who heads the U.S. Small Business Administration. She is described as favoring free trade but is less enthusiastic about tariffs than Ross has been.

But CNBC says Ray Washburne also is being considered for the Commerce post. Trump appointed Washburne last year to be president of the Overseas Private Investment Corp. OPIC, which was created nearly 50 years ago, helps U.S. business invest in emerging markets.