Leading presidential candidates’ opposition to President Barack Obama’s signature trade agreement is jeopardizing the landmark deal, according to a senior White House official.
The official, who requested anonymity, indicated that they’re paying special attention to Republican front-runner Donald Trump — who called the TPP a “terrible deal” and has expressed his opposition to trade deals more broadly.
Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) also oppose the trade deal.
The official also implied that the administration is concerned that if the TPP agreement doesn’t get approved by Congress by the end of the year, it may not go through at all.
“All of that underscores that they would like to see us get this done and get it through Congress at the earliest possible opportunity,” he said.
