President Donald Trump's plan to lower sky-high beef prices before the midterms has triggered a rare rebellion from within his own party, with ranchers, senators, and even his health-food allies calling it a betrayal.
Trump announced Friday he'll remove duties on 300,000 metric tons of imported beef, claiming suppliers agreed to sell at a 25% discount that consumers will feel at checkout. The tariff relief lasts just 90 days, conveniently expiring right after November's midterm elections. A formal executive order is expected within two weeks.
But according to Politico, many of Trump's supporters and sympathetic special interests aren't happy.
United States Cattlemen's Association president Justin Tupper didn't hold back, saying, "You don't put America first by putting U.S. cattle producers last."
Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) called herself "extremely disappointed," while Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) warned the move would hurt ranchers, who are "most of whom are MAGA Republicans." Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) went further, branding it a "slap in the face" to ranchers and consumers alike, and Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) said the plan "compromises Nebraska farmers and ranchers."
One anonymous agriculture industry insider offered a blunt diagnosis of Trump's strategy.
"This is Donald Trump in purgatory," the industry representative said, describing it as trading long-term strategy for a short-term fix that won't meaningfully lower prices.
Even Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins had spent months publicly opposing similar import plans, instead blaming Biden-era policies for the beef shortage driving up costs. Industry insiders say they weren't briefed on Trump's announcement beforehand and remain unsure which countries could even supply that much beef. Meanwhile, MAHA movement figures like Alex Clark blasted the move as anti-health messaging, given the administration's own guidance pushing Americans to eat more beef as a protein source.
With ground beef prices near $7 a pound and no clear path to lasting relief, Trump's gambit risks alienating ranchers without delivering the grocery-store savings voters are demanding.