PhotoWASHINGTON — The Senate confirmed Wilbur L. Ross, the billionaire investor, as commerce secretary on Monday, installing a key leader for the Trump administration’s plans to overhaul trade deals such as the North American Free Trade Agreement. Compared with some of Mr. Trump’s other cabinet picks, Mr. Ross had his confirmation process move ahead with relative ease. A former Democrat, Mr. Ross, 79, divested a significant portion of his holdings to avoid conflicts of interest before taking the helm of the Commerce Department. Advertisement Continue reading the main story“I am pro-trade, but I am pro-sensible trade,” Mr. Ross declared at his confirmation hearing. The appointment of Mr. Ross fulfills Mr. Trump’s promise to stock his cabinet with proven dealmakers.

Source: New York Times February 28, 2017 00:24 UTC