Neither Trump nor his campaign has explicitly said they oppose Okonjo-Iweala getting a second term. But Trump’s former U.S. trade representative, Robert Lighthizer, labeled her as “China’s ally in Geneva” in his 2023 book, “No Trade Is Free.”
Speedy procedure: For its part, the Biden administration has expressed concern about the WTO’s accelerated process to give Okonjo-Iweala a second term.
That was done at the request of African countries, who argued reappointing her early would help preparations for the WTO’s next ministerial conference in late 2025 or early 2026. However, that was widely seen as an attempt to avoid the possibility of Trump blocking her a second time if he won the U.S. presidential election.
Okonjo-Iweala’s first term ends on Aug. 31, 2025. Normally, the nomination process for the next WTO chief would begin nine months before then on Dec. 1. Instead, Ølberg opened the nomination process on Oct. 8, after consulting with members about the African Group’s request for an early start.
All eyes on U.S.: The office of U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai did not respond Friday to questions about whether it would support giving Okonjo-Iweala a second term when the issue is put to WTO members at the December General Council meeting.
If the United States or another member objects to Okonjo-Iweala serving a second term, Ølberg is expected to consult with members about what to do.
