President Donald Trump’s new idea to buy cattle from Argentina has upset Republican lawmakers and American ranchers. They worry the plan goes against his America First policies. Trump talked about this idea while on Air Force One on Sunday. He said it would help Argentina’s weak economy and lower meat prices in the United States. But the announcement has created problems within his own party and among cattle farmers who fear it will hurt their business.
Eight House Republicans wrote a letter to Trump on Tuesday. They said they heard “strong concerns” from cattle producers in their areas. According to MSNBC, the letter said, “While we recognize the importance of strong trade relationships and diverse markets, our producers are seeking clarity on how this decision will be made, what safety and inspection standards will apply, and how this policy aligns with your administration’s commitment to strengthening American agriculture.”
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia said she has been hearing a clear message from people in her state. She wrote on X that voters are telling her, “We love President Trump, please tell him to stop helping foreign countries and put Americans first.” Greene then wrote, “At this point, help Americans only.”
Republicans Are Not Happy With This Move
Other lawmakers also spoke against the plan. Senator Deb Fischer said the beef imports would do “more harm than good.” She said she had told the Trump administration about her worries. She wrote on X, “Bottom line: if the goal is addressing beef prices at the grocery store, this isn’t the way.” Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky said the plan does not make sense. He said, “That sounds like he’s for international trade. It sounds kind of contradictory. Someone needs to tell him that it doesn’t fit with all of his tariffs.”
During a private phone call with House Republicans on Tuesday, Representative Harriet Hageman of Wyoming called the situation a crisis. She said importing beef from Argentina could destroy the American cattle industry. She also said ranchers had already been hurt “just because of that one comment” from Trump about importing Argentine beef.
Speaker Mike Johnson said he would help Hageman talk to the right people in the Trump administration. Representative Ryan Zinke of Montana, who worked as Trump’s Interior Secretary in his first term, also said his voters are “up in arms” about bringing in beef from another country. This trade fight comes after Trump’s recent heated argument with Colombia’s president over deportation policies.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins tried to calm people down on Tuesday morning. She said that the United States would not import “very much” beef from Argentina. She said people would hear more details in the next day or two. Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota said he talked with Rollins. He said he felt good about her and Trump’s desire to “do right by the American producer.”
Cattle farmers around the country have said they are angry about the idea. Laura Field works for The Nebraska Cattlemen, a group that helps cattle producers in the state. She said, “We don’t think there is a role here for any intervention from the government. The market’s doing what the market is doing.” Wisconsin cattle farmer Alan Pinnt called the idea “super detrimental” and a “massive hit” for producers.
He added, “I don’t believe importing beef is upholding the America First policy.” Another farmer, Jeannie Griswold, said Trump’s plan was a “huge slap in the face.” She said, “If we want to see American agriculture continue, our president, regardless if they’re Republican or Democrat, needs to get behind American producers.” The president has also faced growing criticism from protesters on other issues as well.
Published: Oct 22, 2025 02:00 pm