The promised benefits of free trade fell short, especially for the middle class. As a result of trade agreements, the trade deficit not only increased drastically, but the manufacturing sector of the economy was hollowed out along with good paying jobs. It is estimated that 3.7 million jobs have been lost to China alone. This led to the decline of the middle-class and many communities, especially in the Midwest. This triggered additional cultural and social problems, such as the opioid crisis, that continues to plague many of these communities.

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