Lighthizer, who campaigned with President Trump, serves as an unofficial adviser. He was reportedly passed over for Treasury secretary, but he remains close to the president. Lighthizer says U.S. trade with China has largely benefited an adversary who has engaged in stealing trade secrets and other malicious actions.

In a Saturday opinion piece, The Wall Street Journal editorial board condemned Trump's trade plans, arguing that his 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico could severely damage