Make Trade Policy Great Again: The USMCA between Populism and Trump

Abstract

The United States' trade policy, like that of all nations, is intricately tied to its national interests. Throughout the Trump presidency, there were shifts and continuities compared to previous administrations in how the U.S. engaged with the world. This article contributes to the ongoing discourse on populism and trade policy, drawing on analysis from primary and official sources such as reports from the United States Trade Representative (USTR), as well as insights from national and international media. These sources highlight populist elements in both trade policy and President Trump's rhetoric, which remained consistent throughout negotiations, leading from NAFTA to the USMCA.