Donald Trump this weekend suggested that the U.S. could buy more beef from Argentina at a time when American families and farmers are struggling under the weight of Trump’s devastating trade war. Trump’s announcement comes just weeks after Trump’s Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the administration is working on sending a total of $40 billion to Argentina. Trump continues to put America Last as he rebrands MAGA to “Make Argentina Great Again.”

Farmers and agricultural leaders warn that Trump’s bailouts to Argentina are undercutting markets and leaving American farmers to fend for themselves.

Meriwether Farms: “Dear @POTUS Trump,

“We love you and support you— but your suggestion to buy beef from Argentina to stabilize beef prices would be an absolute betrayal to the American cattle rancher.

“We understand there are larger economic and geopolitical dynamics at play, including countering CCP influence in countries in our hemisphere. But the practice of solving problems ‘over there’ before solving problems here on our soil is what contributed to the downfall of our country: Americans always come last.

“We understand beef prices are high, and we admire your concern for all Americans, but this is not the fault of the American producer. This is the fault of politicians who have allowed BRICS-aligned entities to dominate the meat industry, that participate in price fixing and who also continually lie to their consumers. 

“Washington for decades has facilitated the squeezing of our own ranchers while allowing these entities to flood the market with cheaper, lower-quality imports — and the American people don’t even know these products are foreign because they are allowed to be marked as ‘Product of the USA.’

“On top of all this—there is only chaos coming from the Department of Agriculture. There is no true guidance, mixed messaging, and a copious amount of photo ops. There is no one to trust over there that truly understands the issues and isn’t bought out by or aligned with Big Industries.

“The American cattle rancher is one of the last symbols of independence we have in the nation—but the continued manipulation and betrayal by the very people who claim to support them, needs to end immediately.

“While only representing 1% of the population, the work is tireless, daily, in poor conditions, with low margins, without thanks— all in order to keep this country fed. We would be a failed nation if we continue to betray the very people who put food on the table for us.

“There are so many voices on the outside that support you and want to see you succeed. Maybe it’s time to start listening to them. Your team knows how to get in touch with us.

“Sincerely,

“Meriwether Farms”

President of Nebraska Farm Bureau Mark McHargue: “A lot remains unknown about @realDonaldTrump’s recent announcement that his administration is working on a plan to lower beef prices in the United States. As recently as October 19, President Trump indicated that importing beef from Argentina was how the administration plans to lower beef prices for consumers. Nebraska Farm Bureau is very aware of this situation and has been in contact with the administration as well as the entire congressional delegation. Nebraska Farm Bureau remains an organization committed to free and reciprocal trade agreements and the free market system; however, trade agreements cannot turn into one-sided arrangements that provide unfair access to the U.S. market. Nebraska is ‘The Beef State’ and the success of Nebraska’s ‘beef’ industry, Nebraska’s largest single economic driver, impacts all Nebraskans. Our message is simple, we oppose any attempt by the federal government to artificially lower the price of cattle, a move that would absolutely harm Nebraska’s cattle producers who are finally experiencing some level of economic success.”

Senior Vice President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Ethan Lane: “They have not been, what we call, stellar trading partners in the beef side.

“Certainly, I think this gives a lot of producers around the country pause.”

CEO of R-CALF US Bill Bullard: “We urge the president to protect the domestic industry from excessive price depressing imports, so our industry can rebuild and expand to meet domestic consumption.”

Mississippi State University Agriculture Economist Josh Maples: “Volatility is the reaction that markets tend to have whenever they’re faced with uncertainty. I would say that’s what we’re currently faced with.”

Farm Action: “🇺🇸 SCREWED: First soybean farmers, now cattlemen.

“After years of suppressed prices, U.S. cattle producers were finally turning a profit.

“Now President Trump says the U.S. will import Argentinian beef—a move that will crash cattle prices and push American ranchers back into the red.

“And thanks to meatpacking consolidation, consumers are unlikely to see lower prices at all.

“This comes as Argentina took over our soybean market after China stopped buying from U.S. farmers—right after Washington handed them $20 billion in U.S. funds.

“Now Washington is sending another $20 billion to Argentina, and buying their beef on top of it.

“What happened to America First?”

Perennial Pastures: “We don’t need beef imports from Argentina! We need to naturally build up our internal herd and let supply and demand take care of itself. Beef sales have not gone down. Why are we good with re-shoring manufacturing and not domestic beef supply?”

Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle warned that putting Argentina first would cause an already disastrous Agricultural economy to deteriorate further. 

Senator Ruben Gallego: “First Trump gave Argentina a $40 billion bailout instead of lowering your health care costs. 

“Now he’s helping Argentinian ranchers instead of Arizonan cattleman. 

“#AmericaFirst”

Senator Deb Fischer: “Since hearing the president’s comments suggesting the U.S. would buy beef from Argentina, I’ve been in touch with his administration and my colleagues to seek clarity and express my deep concerns. I’ve also been sounding the alarm on the bleak state of our ag economy and the negative impacts facing Nebraska’s ag industry—the economic driver of our state. 

“Bottom line: if the goal is addressing beef prices at the grocery store, this isn’t the way. Right now, government intervention in the beef market will hurt our cattle ranchers. The U.S. has safe, reliable beef, and it is the one bright spot in our struggling ag economy. 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.”

Igor Bobic: “Montana Sen. Steve Daines says he’s ‘strongly opposed’ to U.S. purchasing beef from Argentina, as Trump has suggested to lower prices”

Representative Thomas Massie: “This is not America first! We don’t need the U.S. flooded with beef from Argentina after our cattle ranchers have taken a beating over the last several years.

“Bring back Country Of Origin Labels!

“Buy direct from a 🇺🇸 farmer.

“Pass the PRIME Act. 🥩

“America First and MAHA!”

Representative Jimmy Gomez: “Got it…MAGA stands for Make Argentina Great Again”