Mr. Hassett defended Donald Trump’s tax cuts and trade policies in his first administration but has also acknowledged that tariffs can weaken economic growth.

President-elect Donald Trump is said to have selected Kevin Hassett to lead the National Economic Council, a role spearheading the new administration’s tax, trade and spending agenda, according to people familiar with the matter.

The president-elect vowed dramatic tariff hikes on Monday night but has tapped traditional conservatives for his most important economic positions.