Peter Navarro, a familiar face from President-elect Donald Trump’s first term, is making a comeback.

Trump announced on Wednesday morning that Navarro would take on the role of Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing, signaling a renewed focus on the “America First” trade policies that defined Trump’s initial presidency. Navarro’s appointment is sure to reignite debates about tariffs, trade policy, and his controversial past, including his recent stint in federal prison.

In his announcement, Trump praised Navarro as a steadfast advocate for American workers and manufacturing. “Few were more effective or tenacious than Peter in enforcing my two sacred rules, Buy American, Hire American,” Trump stated. He lauded Navarro’s work in renegotiating trade deals like NAFTA and the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), and his quick action on tariffs.

Trump also highlighted Navarro’s qualifications, calling him a “Harvard-trained economist” and a prolific author with expertise in trade and strategic business management. According to Trump, Navarro’s role will include advancing and communicating the administration’s manufacturing, tariff, and trade agendas—policies that aim to protect American industries and workers.

Dr. Peter Navarro Delivers Fiery Speech After Walking Out of Federal Prison

“I went to prison, so you won’t have to. I am your wake-up call.”

“Guess what? They did not break me. And they will never break Donald Trump.”

“On election day, America will hold these law-fair jackals… pic.twitter.com/530TPmtcfs

— The Vigilant Fox 🦊 (@VigilantFox) July 17, 2024

Navarro’s return comes with baggage. Earlier this year, he served four months in federal prison for refusing to comply with a House subpoena related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Navarro had been a central figure in promoting Trump’s challenges to the 2020 election results, a stance that made him a target of Democratic-led investigations.

Upon his release, Navarro wasted no time returning to the political spotlight, speaking at the Republican National Convention in Wisconsin. His defiance of the House subpoena and his subsequent imprisonment have made him a hero to many Trump supporters who view the January 6 investigations as politically motivated.

Navarro’s appointment underscores Trump’s commitment to reviving his “America First” economic agenda. His policies, including tariffs on China and renegotiation of trade deals, were among the most polarizing of Trump’s first term. Critics accused Navarro of fostering trade wars that hurt U.S. consumers and businesses, while supporters credit him with revitalizing American manufacturing and standing up to China’s economic aggression.

Trump’s decision to bring Navarro back is a clear message that his second term will double down on these policies, with Navarro playing a key role in crafting and communicating the strategy. It also shows Trump’s willingness to stand by loyalists who have been targeted by what he and his supporters see as an overreaching “Deep State.”