Robert Lighthizer, the former U.S. Trade Representative, said the post-World War II global free-trade system is broken and requires a complete overhaul.

This shift in trade philosophy marks a departure from decades of U.S. economic policy. By moving away from traditional free-trade principles, the proposed order would prioritize American industrial interests and national security over the unrestricted movement of goods and services.

Lighthizer said the existing trade framework has harmed U.S. consumers and manufacturers. He said the current global order no longer serves the interests of the American worker, a sentiment he has expressed across various platforms, including a Foreign Affairs interview and statements in Washington, D.C. [1], [2].

"Global free trade has failed the U.S. economy," Lighthizer said [3].

Central to this perspective is the relationship with China. Lighthizer said that despite previous efforts, there is still much to be done before the U.S. reaches a new trade agreement with the country [4]. This stance on China has occasionally led to reported friction. While some officials have played down any rift between Lighthizer and former President Trump, other reports suggest tension existed during exchanges in the Oval Office regarding China policy [5], [6].

The financial impact of these trade disputes has been significant. In one instance, the Trump administration was ordered to refund $166 billion [7] to U.S. companies that had paid tariffs under the administration's trade strategies.

"We need to overhaul the post‑World War II trade system," Lighthizer said [2].

Lighthizer said that a revised system is the only way to protect American economic interests from unfair competition. He said trade should be used as a tool for national strength rather than just a mechanism for lower consumer prices through global imports [1], [3].

“"Global free trade has failed the U.S. economy."”

Lighthizer's call for a new trade order represents a fundamental challenge to the neoliberal economic consensus that has dominated global commerce since 1945. If adopted, this approach would likely lead to increased tariffs, more aggressive bilateral negotiations, and a strategic decoupling from China to rebuild domestic manufacturing capabilities.