Stephen Vaughn

Stephen P. Vaughn is an American lawyer and former general counsel to the United States Trade Representative.

Vaughn worked at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom representing U.S. Steel. In 2016,

Vaughn started his career in commercial litigation and shifted his career to trade law in the early 2000s.

Vaughn served on President Donald Trump's landing team to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Vaughn and official nominee Robert Lighthizer have worked together representing steel manufacturers in the past at Skadden Arps.

On March 2, 2017, due to the U.S. Senate's delay in confirming USTR nominee Robert Lighthizer, Trump appointed Vaughn to the position of USTR general counsel and elevated him to acting USTR. Vaughn's appointment was likely the first time that someone from outside the department was appointed as acting USTR. Shortly after he returned to previous positions with King & Spalding.