This chapter examines the rise of populism in U.S. trade politics, particularly through the lens of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and its implications for American leadership in global trade. It discusses how the 2016 presidential election catalyzed a shift from pro-globalization narratives to populist rhetoric that framed trade agreements as detrimental to American workers. The authors analyze the contrasting narratives of President Obama, who advocated for the TPP as a means to counter China’s influence and promote economic growth, against those of candidates Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump, who positioned themselves as champions of the working class against elite interests. The chapter highlights the consequences of this populist turn, including the failure of the TPP and the establishment of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) without U.S. participation, ultimately signaling a significant loss of U.S. influence in the Asia–Pacific region and a lasting impact on trade policy.