Trade rep Kirk set to depart

U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk said Tuesday that he will leave the Obama administration in late February. 

Kirk, who served through President Obama’s first term, has repeatedly said he wouldn’t remain for a second term.

{mosads}”In President Obama’s first term, trade has been a major part of this administration’s efforts to support American jobs right here at home,” Kirk said in a statement.  “I am proud of USTR’s contribution to America’s ongoing economic recovery.”

The departure of Kirk, who is African American, will likely raise more questions about the diversity of Obama’s second-term cabinet. 

High-profile nominations thus far have gone to white men, though Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett and others have said subsequent appointments are likely to include women and members of minority groups. 

Kirk will leave his office ahead of the next round of Asian-Pacific trade talks. He had told The Hill on Monday that he would have an announcement soon. 

At least two names have been mentioned as possible successors: USTR deputy Michael Punke and White House trade adviser Mike Froman, who went to Harvard Law School with Obama.

{mosads}The next round of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) talks are being held in Singapore in March.

Since taking the job nearly four years ago, Kirk has helped usher through Congress three free-trade agreements, with South Korea, Colombia and Panama. 

“Together, we have made great strides to bring about the president’s vision of a more robust, responsible and responsive trade policy” that he said helped U.S. business export their products.

He also pressed Congress to grant permanent normal trade relations to Russia, which joined the World Trade Organization in August after nearly two decades of lobbying. 

Kirk’s main focus has been the TPP deal, which heads into its 16th round of negotiations in March. 

In recent months, Canada and Mexico have gotten seats at the table, and Japan also is considering whether it would be beneficial to join the talks.