Trump Administration Ushers in New FMC Chairman

The Donald Trump administration has introduced significant changes, including appointing a new chairman for the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) and replacing Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Linda Fagan with her deputy in an acting capacity. Fagan made history in 2022 as the first woman to lead a branch of the U.S. military.

Lou Sola, a former shipbroker who has served as an FMC commissioner since 2019, has taken over from Daniel Maffei as chairman of the shipping regulator.

“There are many ways the commission contributes to the competitiveness of American businesses, access to foreign markets for US vessels and companies, and economic growth for the nation. We will continue that important work while looking for more instances where applying the authorities of the commission helps US companies and consumers,” Sola stated.

Returning to the White House for his final four-year term, Trump wasted no time implementing a series of executive actions. Key shipping-related measures included reclaiming U.S. control of the Panama Canal, renaming the Gulf of Mexico, and withdrawing from the Paris Agreement. Additionally, Trump directed the Treasury Department to halt new offshore wind leases on the outer continental shelf.

Speaking to reporters, Trump revealed plans to impose a 10% tariff on Chinese-made imports as early as February. These moves signal a rapid shift in policy priorities during the opening days of his administration.