A plan by former President Donald Trump to lower grocery prices by allowing a significant influx of foreign ground beef into the U.S. has drawn criticism from several Republican senators, particularly those in competitive races.
Trump announced on Truth Social his intention to import 300,000 metric tons of foreign ground beef, intended to be sold at 25% below market prices for 90 days. This initiative aims to address rising ground beef costs, which have reached approximately $7 per pound, according to USDA data, amid historic lows in the nation's cattle herd.
However, some key Republican figures in the Senate have voiced concerns that the proposal could negatively impact American cattle ranchers. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., a close ally of Trump, argued on X that imported beef sold below market value would add pressure to American cattlemen. He advised the president to reconsider, emphasizing the need to support domestic ranchers and allow the market to function.
“We need to support our cattlemen, grow the herd, and let the market work,” Cotton stated.
Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, who is running in a closely contested Senate race, also expressed opposition to the plan. "I want to lower prices, but this is a bad idea," Hinson said on X. Her race is considered a toss-up by the Cook Political Report.
Other incumbent senators echoed these sentiments. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., stated, "This Hurts!" while Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., acknowledged the goal of lowering grocery prices but cautioned that "short-term policy shifts do not equal long-term solutions." Ricketts added that "flooding the market with lower quality beef compromises Nebraska farmers and ranchers."
Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., who is also facing re-election, has previously advised Trump against such measures, citing potential harm to American ranchers, many of whom support Trump's political movement. Sheehy noted that beef prices have been affected by factors such as the Mexican screwworm.
Trump defended his proposal, stating during a campaign stop in South Carolina that "that’s what the people want" and that it would help lower prices for consumers. He acknowledged the contributions of ranchers but indicated that additional measures were necessary to reduce costs.
Details regarding the specific countries from which the beef would be imported have not yet been released. Earlier this year, Trump signed an executive order to allow 80,000 metric tons of beef trimmings from Argentina to potentially lower beef prices.