In 1990, the majority of China’s population lived in extreme poverty. Within three decades, that number dropped to zero—an achievement driven by massive state investment, job creation, and social programs.
Meanwhile, the United States has allowed extreme poverty to expand. Today, more than 4 million Americans struggle to survive on less than $3 a day. This stark contrast exposes a deeper flaw: America’s economic strength is not translating into shared prosperity.
The U.S. economy produces more per person than nearly every country on Earth. Yet its political system routinely neglects those at the bottom, leaving millions without adequate support.
Income inequality continues to deepen. The distance between middle-income earners and the wealthy has widened dramatically since 1980. The poorest Americans receive a share of national income comparable to citizens of low-income nations.
Recent policies, including tariff hikes and cuts to safety-net programs, further strain low-income households. These choices emphasize that inequality in America is not a market accident—it is a political outcome.