President Trump pleaded Wednesday for understanding from American cattle ranchers after the industry and GOP lawmakers criticized his plan to buy beef from Argentina to bring down consumer prices.
Mr. Trump said his tariff policies would protect cattle ranchers from unfair competition and he has to keep grocery prices in mind even as he supports domestic producers.
“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,” Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social. “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 added.
The cost of ground beef, driven upward by depleted herds, weather problems and high consumer demand, has risen to a record high of nearly $7 per pound.
Mr. Trump said Sunday he was considering a plan to increase supply by buying beef from Argentina, where President Javier Milei — a key White House ally — faces tough elections and economic troubles.
The Trump administration took steps to financially assist Argentina before proposing the beef purchases. American farmers and some Republicans looked askance at the plan, saying it did not comport with Mr. Trump’s America-first policies.
“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.
The president said the industry should be more appreciative.
“In addition to everything else, Tariffs on other Countries SAVED our Cattle Ranchers!” he said.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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