Topline
President Donald Trump rebuked cattle ranchers after they criticized his idea to import Argentinian beef, writing on Truth Social on Wednesday they “don’t understand” his policies—as the proposal has prompted criticism from Republican lawmakers in farm states while consumers face record-high beef prices.
President Donald Trump looks on during an event celebrating Diwali in the Oval Office of the White House on October 21, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
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Key Facts
Trump lauded his tariffs as being good for cattle ranchers, while saying those who have criticized him “don’t understand” his trade policies.
Trump added, “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 price of ground beef is at a record high, reaching $6.32 per pound in August, according to the Labor Department, amid a decline in consumer demand and a thinning livestock herd.
Trump’s comments come after ranchers and GOP lawmakers in farm states who rebuked his proposal to import Argentinian beef over concerns it would hurt American ranchers.
Trump on Sunday framed the idea, in part, as a way to help Argentina’s struggling economy ahead of a consequential election for his close ally, President Javier Milei.
Crucial Quote
“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 Cattleman’s Beef Association CEO Colin Woodall said in a statement Monday.
Chief Critics
Several Republican lawmakers criticized Trump’s proposal, including Sens. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, Jerry Moran, R-Kan., Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., Politico reported. “Bottom line: if the goal is addressing beef prices at the grocery store, this isn’t the way,” Fischer said in a statement. “Right now, government intervention in the beef market will hurt our cattle ranchers. 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.”
Key Background
Trump suggested Sunday the U.S. could “buy some beef from Argentina,” predicting the move “will bring our beef prices down,” adding “it would help Argentina, which we consider a very good country, a very good ally.” It’s unclear what the proposal would entail, but Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told CNBC on Tuesday, amid backlash over Trump’s comments, the U.S. doesn’t plan to buy “very much beef” from Argentina and reiterated imports would be designed to “bring grocery prices down.” Trump made the suggestion as the U.S. has announced a $40 billion economic support package for Argentina, including a currency swap and financing from private sector and sovereign wealth funds. Trump has said the assistance is contingent on Milei’s party winning next week’s legislative elections, however.
Further Reading
Trump’s Plan For Buying Argentinian Beef Prompts Backlash From Ranchers (Forbes)