Samuel T. Negatu, a Democrat of California, was sworn in today as a Commissioner of the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC). He was nominated on June 1, 2026, and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate on July 16, 2026, for a term expiring June 16, 2029.  

About Commissioner Negatu

Prior to joining the USITC, Commissioner Negatu served as Director of Government Affairs at the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), where he directed the association’s federal advocacy on trade, transportation, and technology policy. Previously, he served at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), including as Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Congressional Affairs and later as Assistant General Counsel. 

During his tenure at USTR, Commissioner Negatu advised on congressional affairs and helped develop U.S. trade policy, litigated labor enforcement cases under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and participated in bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations on behalf of the United States. Earlier in his career, he served on the staff of Representatives Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) and Matt Cartwright (D-PA).

Read his full biography here.

About the U.S. International Trade Commission

The USITC is an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency.  The agency investigates and makes determinations in proceedings involving imports claimed to injure a domestic industry or violate U.S. intellectual property rights; provides independent analysis and information on tariffs, trade, and competitiveness to the President and the Congress; and maintains the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.