Michael Froman

Michael Froman - World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2012

Michael Froman (born August 20, 1962) is an American lawyer and former government official who served as the U.S. Trade Representative from 2013 to 2017. He was a key advisor and strategist on international trade and economic policy during the Obama administration. Froman played a pivotal role in negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a controversial trade agreement intended to strengthen economic ties between the United States and 11 other countries in the Pacific Rim, excluding China.

Early Life and Education

Michael Froman was born in San Rafael, California. He excelled academically, eventually attending Princeton University, where he received his bachelor's degree in Public and International Affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. Following his undergraduate education, Froman was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to attend Oxford University, where he earned a doctorate in International Relations. He later received his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, where he was a contemporary of Barack Obama.

Career

Before entering public service, Froman worked in both the private and academic sectors. He was a managing director at Citigroup, where he focused on infrastructure and sustainable development investments. Additionally, Froman served as a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, where he specialized in international economic policy.

Froman's career in government began during the Clinton administration, where he served in various roles, including Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Treasury. He was also a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.

During the Obama administration, Froman was appointed Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economic Affairs, a position that underscored his influence in shaping U.S. economic policy abroad. In 2013, he was nominated by President Obama to serve as the U.S. Trade Representative, a role in which he was responsible for negotiating international trade agreements and representing U.S. interests at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

As Trade Representative, Froman's most notable achievement was his involvement in the negotiations of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a trade agreement that sought to lower trade barriers such as tariffs and establish a common framework for labor, environmental, and intellectual property standards among its member countries. However, the TPP was met with significant opposition from various groups, who criticized it for its potential impact on jobs, the environment, and national sovereignty. The agreement was signed in 2016 but was not ratified by the United States, as it became a contentious issue during the 2016 presidential election. Following the election of Donald Trump, the United States formally withdrew from the TPP in January 2017.

Post-Government Career

After leaving government service, Froman continued to be involved in issues related to international trade and economic policy. He joined Mastercard as Vice Chairman and President for Strategic Growth, focusing on inclusive growth and financial inclusion.

Legacy

Michael Froman's legacy is closely tied to the Obama administration's trade policy, particularly the negotiation of the TPP. His efforts to promote free trade and economic integration faced both praise and criticism, reflecting the complex and often contentious nature of global trade discussions.