Senate Confirms Katherine Tai as Biden’s Top Trade Envoy

Katherine Tai addresses the Senate Finance committee hearings to examine her nomination to be United States Trade Representative, with the rank of Ambassador, in Washington, on Feb. 25, 2021. Bill O'Leary/Pool via Reuters

WASHINGTON—The Senate confirmed Katherine Tai as the top U.S. trade envoy in an overwhelming bipartisan vote on Wednesday. She will be the first Asian American and first woman of color to hold the position.

Tai is considered a problem-solving pragmatist, and her nomination by President Joe Biden to be U.S. trade representative drew support from Democrats and Republicans alike. She was confirmed on a 98–0 vote and is the 19th member of Biden’s Cabinet to clear the Senate.