The World's 50 Greatest Leaders

Rank
44
Previous: 43 Next: 45

Michael Froman

Senate Committees Reach Legislation Deal On Fast-Track Authority Trade Pact
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 16: U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman testifies at the Senate Finance Committee hearing on Congress and U.S. Tariff Policy in the Senate Dirksen Office building on April 16, 2015 in Washington, D.C. Congressional leaders in the tax writing committees reached a deal that would allow President Obama "fast track" authority on negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Trade Agreement. (Photo by Gabriella Demczuk/Getty Images)Gabriella Demczuk — Getty Images
  • Title
    U.S. Trade Representative
  • Affiliation
    Executive Office of the President
  • Age
    53

Froman traces his friendship with President Obama to their days on the Harvard Law Review. That pedigree helped the trade ambassador win the argument within the White House for chasing the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership, the largest regional trade pact in history. Capitol Hill has proved a tougher sell, but Froman’s pitch job helped overcome Democratic resistance last year and kept the package inching forward. Now populist crosswinds from the presidential campaign threaten the deal anew. Froman may need a buzzer beater, in the post-election lame-duck session, to salvage his world-bending project.