Trump bristles at cattle ranchers over Argentina beef criticism
The article discusses President Donald Trump’s response to criticism from American cattle ranchers over his tariff policies and his proposal to import beef from Argentina. Trump defended his tariffs, stating they have helped domestic ranchers by limiting foreign competition, particularly citing a 50% tariff on Brazilian cattle. He is considering importing Argentine beef as part of a $40 billion stimulus package directed toward Argentine President Javier Milei, a political ally.Though, the plan has faced opposition from ranchers, some Republican lawmakers, and industry groups who argue that importing beef could harm domestic producers without significantly lowering consumer prices. Domestic beef prices have risen recently, and critics warn that Trump’s approach may create market confusion and negatively impact American agriculture at a crucial time.
Trump bristles at Argentina beef criticism and says ranchers would be ‘terrible’ without tariffs
President Donald Trump lambasted American cattle ranchers on Wednesday as the group has openly criticized his tariff agenda and his proposal to import beef from Argentina.
Trump is considering purchasing imported beef from Argentina as part of the $40 billion stimulus package he is directing toward Argentine President Javier Milei, a political ally.
However, American ranchers, farmers, and some farm-state Republican lawmakers have begun to press the president on the plan and the delayed bailout of the American agriculture sector amid an escalating trade war with China.
“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,” the president wrote on Truth Social in response to the blowback. “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,” Trump continued. “But they also have to get their prices down, because the consumer is a very big factor in my thinking, also!”
Domestic beef prices have steadily risen since last year, with certain products jumping by more than 10%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Still, Trump’s latest attempts to lower consumer prices have faced loud opposition on the Right.
“This plan only creates chaos at a critical time of the year for American cattle producers, while doing nothing to lower grocery store prices,” National Cattlemen’s Beef Association CEO Colin Woodall said in a statement on Monday.
Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) wrote on Tuesday, “If the goal is addressing beef prices at the grocery store, this isn’t the way. Nebraska’s ranchers cannot afford to have the rug pulled out from under them when they’re just getting ahead or simply breaking even. I strongly encourage the Trump administration to focus on trade deals that benefit our ag producers — not imports that will do more harm than good.”
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