Final answer:
Samuelson's criticism of free trade focuses on the winners and losers it creates, highlighting the need for government intervention to address the negative consequences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Samuelson's criticism of free trade can be seen in the argument that free trade creates winners and losers. While free trade may result in lower costs for consumers and access to a wider variety of products, it can also lead to job losses and economic inequality. Samuelson argued that free trade should be accompanied by policies that provide support and assistance to those who are negatively affected.
For example, if a country decides to open its market to cheaper imports from another country, domestic industries that cannot compete with the lower prices may be forced to downsize or even shut down. This can result in job losses and economic hardship for those employed in those industries. Samuelson's criticism emphasizes the need for government intervention and policies that address these negative consequences of free trade.