Kirk Confirms He Will Leave as USTR; Speculation But No Answers on Successor
U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk confirmed Jan. 22 that he intends to depart the position in late February, as he had indicated about a month ago. "It has been no less than my greatest professional privilege to serve President Barack Obama alongside the dedicated professionals of USTR," Kirk said (here).
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"There's no question Ron delivered results for the American people and for our economy," President Obama said in a statement (here). "From bringing home new trade agreements with Korea, Colombia and Panama and negotiating to open up new markets for American businesses, to cracking down on unfair trade practices around the world, he has been a tremendous advocate for the American worker."
Several people have been speculated as Kirk's successor, including Ex-Im Bank Chairman Fred Hochberg, but there has been no comment from the White House and such speculation has often turned out to be wrong.