In an interview with PBS News Hour on Wednesday, Hillary Clinton came out against the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), saying “As of today, I am not in favor of what I have learned about it… I don’t believe it’s going to meet the high bar I have set.”
The 12-nation deal, championed by President Obama, has come under fire by progressive organizations, including labor unions, women’s groups, and environmentalists. Clinton cited concerns over currency manipulation and benefits for pharmaceutical companies as two of the reasons she is critical of the deal.
While Clinton previously spoke in favor of the TPP during her time as Secretary of State, she often said she would reserve her official statement as a candidate until the details were fully negotiated. An official deal was reached on Monday.
The deal still needs to secure approval from Congress, which could be an uphill battle for the Obama Administration. However, with the trade promotion authority—or fast track—passed in June, Congress can only have an up-or-down vote, with no amendments or filibusters.
With this announcement, Clinton joins fellow Democratic presidential candidates Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley in opposition to the deal.
Media Resources: PBS 10/7/15; CNN 6/15/15; Feminist Newswire 10/6/15; NY Times 10/6/15; USA Today 6/24/15;