Soybean export inspections hit lowest level in 19 years 

First, Donald Trump’s White House announced that China would purchase 12 million metric tons of soybeans from American farmers by the end of the year. Then, last week, Trump’s trade representative James Greer backtracked — saying that China would purchase the soybeans by the end of “this growing season” — a MAJOR delay from their original commitment. Now, weekly soybean export inspections hit the lowest level in 19 years. Meanwhile, American farmers are left in the dust of Trump’s reckless trade war as farm bankruptcies climb nearly 50% compared to 2024, and farm sector debt is expected to increase 5% and reach nearly $600 billion this year.

In response, DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer released the following statement: 

“Donald Trump’s administration can be summed up in a few words: Trump first, Americans last. Trump’s reckless trade war has made it impossible for farmers to sell their crops, forcing countless family farms to the brink of collapse — and now Trump is trying to soften the blow with a Band-Aid bailout. Farmers are fed up with Trump’s excuses and delays. It’s clear that Trump was lying when he said he’ll ‘never do anything to hurt our farmers.’”

After his trade war devastated the rural economy, Trump announced a feeble bailout for farmers after months of delays and excuses. The taxpayer-funded payments won’t reach farmers until at least February, and they don’t even come close to making up for the loss of markets farmers have experienced under Trump. Meanwhile, Trump prioritized tens of billions of dollars for Argentina as American farmers and families have struggled.