Katherine Chi Tai is the first Asian American to serve in the position of 19th United States Trade Representative. As a member of the President’s Cabinet, Ambassador Tai is the principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on U.S. trade policy.  She is the only member of President Joe Biden’s Cabinet to have been unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate. 

Tai spent most of her career in public service focusing on international economic diplomacy, monitoring, and enforcement.  She previously served as Chief Trade Counsel and Trade Subcommittee Staff Director for the House Ways and Means Committee in the United States Congress. Before transitioning to federal service, she practiced law in the private sector, clerked for district judges, and taught English in Guangzhou, China.  Tai holds a BA degree in history from Yale University and a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School.  Her parents were born in China, raised in Taiwan, and later immigrated to the U.S. as graduate students.  Tai is fluent in Mandarin. 

In addition to her ambassador role, Tai co-chairs the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, which is charged to provide independent advice and recommendations to the President on advancing equity, justice, and opportunity for AAs and NHPIs throughout the Federal government.  At the inaugural meeting of the Commission, Tai stated, “I want to ensure that the same pursuit of the American Dream that drove my parents to immigrate to this country remains alive for future generations. It is why I believe so strongly in the mission of this President’s Advisory Commission.” Katherine Tai’s strong track record and rise to a Cabinet-level position make her an important figure and influential spokesperson for Asian Americans.