China’s elimination of extreme poverty represents a monumental policy success. It transformed living standards for nearly a billion people in less than 30 years.
The U.S., despite immense wealth, has allowed extreme poverty to worsen. Today, more than 4 million Americans survive on under $3 a day.
American productivity and innovation are world-leading, but the distribution of wealth remains steeply tilted toward the rich.
Middle-income families have seen their position erode steadily, while the poorest Americans earn a national income share similar to developing economies.
Cuts to social programs, healthcare coverage, and nutrition assistance—paired with tariffs that increase costs—have further strained low-income households. America’s inequality reflects choices, not fate.
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