President Donald Trump on Wednesday, October 22, faced criticism after posting on Truth Social urging US cattle ranchers to reduce prices. The statement followed his announcement of plans to import more beef from Argentina, which drew pushback from some of the president's supporters.
"The Cattle Ranchers, who I love, don't understand that the only reason they are doing so well, for the first time in decades, is because I put Tariffs on cattle coming into the United States, including a 50% Tariff on Brazil. If it weren't for me, they would be doing just as they've done for the past 20 years - Terrible! It would be nice if they would understand that, but they also have to get their prices down, because the consumer is a very big factor in my thinking, also!," the President said on his social media platform.
He added in a separate post "In addition to everything else, Tariffs on other Countries SAVED our Cattle Ranchers!."
Also read: Trump signs $20 billion lifeline for Argentina
"If we buy some beef now, I'm not talking about that much, from Argentina, it would help Argentina, which we consider a very good country, a very good ally," he said.
Cattle and beef prices in the US surged after a years-long drought damaged grazing land and increased feeding costs, forcing ranchers to reduce their herds. Simultaneously, tariffs imposed by Trump on import goods from Brazil this summer decreased the beef supply from that South American nation. This prompted importers to pay higher prices to other suppliers, Reuters reported.
"(We) urge your administration to ensure that any future decisions are made with full transparency, sound science, and a firm commitment to the US cattle industry," they stated in the letter.
Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote on X "'We love President Trump, please tell him to stop helping foreign countries and put Americans first.' At this point, help Americans only!," while sharing a post from Merriweather Farms, a beef supplier.
Also read: Trump has said Milei must win Argentina's midterm vote. What does that look like?
"Cattle ranchers, who proudly backed Trump, are now learning what betrayal feels like, after Trump moved to help Argentina's cattle industry while leaving them out to dry and now attacking them for high prices that he helped create," a person on X said.
"Cattle ranchers love being told they don't understand their industry by the Trump Steaks guy," another added.
Another person commented, "Why is Trump screwing over American farmers and cattle ranchers to benefit Argentina? Trump never does anything unless it profits himself or his cronies… Follow the money."
"The Cattle Ranchers, who I love, don't understand that the only reason they are doing so well, for the first time in decades, is because I put Tariffs on cattle coming into the United States, including a 50% Tariff on Brazil. If it weren't for me, they would be doing just as they've done for the past 20 years - Terrible! It would be nice if they would understand that, but they also have to get their prices down, because the consumer is a very big factor in my thinking, also!," the President said on his social media platform.
He added in a separate post "In addition to everything else, Tariffs on other Countries SAVED our Cattle Ranchers!."
Also read: Trump signs $20 billion lifeline for Argentina
President announces Argentina beef import agreement
President Trump on Sunday, October 19, stated that purchasing more meat from Argentina would reduce US beef prices while supporting the South American ally. With the US facing elevated meat prices, he pledged to increase imports from Argentina."If we buy some beef now, I'm not talking about that much, from Argentina, it would help Argentina, which we consider a very good country, a very good ally," he said.
Cattle industry groups oppose beef import expansion
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association, along with the Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America and other farming groups, criticized Trump's proposal because of potential impacts on American ranchers and feedlot operators.Cattle and beef prices in the US surged after a years-long drought damaged grazing land and increased feeding costs, forcing ranchers to reduce their herds. Simultaneously, tariffs imposed by Trump on import goods from Brazil this summer decreased the beef supply from that South American nation. This prompted importers to pay higher prices to other suppliers, Reuters reported.
Republican lawmakers request transparency on beef import plan
Following Trump's announcement, eight Republican members of Congress sent a letter requesting more information on his beef import plan."(We) urge your administration to ensure that any future decisions are made with full transparency, sound science, and a firm commitment to the US cattle industry," they stated in the letter.
Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote on X "'We love President Trump, please tell him to stop helping foreign countries and put Americans first.' At this point, help Americans only!," while sharing a post from Merriweather Farms, a beef supplier.
Social media users criticize cattle rancher price comments
Trump's recent post generated additional criticism online. Social media users expressed concern about the administration's approach to the cattle industry and questioned the impact on American ranchers.Also read: Trump has said Milei must win Argentina's midterm vote. What does that look like?
"Cattle ranchers, who proudly backed Trump, are now learning what betrayal feels like, after Trump moved to help Argentina's cattle industry while leaving them out to dry and now attacking them for high prices that he helped create," a person on X said.
"Cattle ranchers love being told they don't understand their industry by the Trump Steaks guy," another added.
Another person commented, "Why is Trump screwing over American farmers and cattle ranchers to benefit Argentina? Trump never does anything unless it profits himself or his cronies… Follow the money."
