Donald Trump has launched a critique against cattle ranchers, urging them to reduce beef prices, asserting that the benefits of tariffs are not being shared with consumers.
In a Truth Social post, the former President expressed: “The Cattle Ranchers, whom I admire, don’t realize that their current success, unprecedented in decades, is due to the tariffs I imposed on cattle imports into the United States, including a significant 50 percent tariff on Brazilian beef.”
He further added, “They also need to lower their prices because the consumer is a major consideration for me as well!”
This unexpected criticism targets American cattle ranchers and producers, often found in staunchly conservative regions like Texas, Nebraska, and Kansas.
In his message, Trump takes credit for the industry’s current prosperity and suggests that beef producers should translate their profits into consumer savings. However, ranchers are cautioning against ‘market chaos’ amid challenges such as drought, disease, and new competition from Argentine imports.
Trump’s demand surfaces as Americans grapple with inflation and rising living costs, with the average price of ground beef surpassing $6.30 per pound.
Just 34 percent of Americans polled in a recent CNBC survey approve of the president’s measures to combat inflation and the cost of living. Roughly two-thirds, 62 percent, disapproved.
But cattle ranchers and their associations are warning that the US should not turn to Brazil to lower prices. Instead, they say, the US needs to invest in additional measures to protect the already low domestic herd.
Donald Trump speaks during a Diwali celebration in the Oval Office of the White House on Tuesday
Cattle in a pen wait to be transported to a meat packing plant at the livestock and ranchers’ association in Brandsen, Argentina, Monday, Oct. 20, 2025
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was raised on a ranch before becoming governor of South Dakota and later taking a job with the Trump administration
Droughts have led to dwindling water for livestock across the southwest US in recent years, leading to concerns from producers.
The lack of rain has prompted producers to lower the total US cattle herd.
In July 2025, the total supply of US cattle was approximately 94.2 million head – the lowest supply since 1951, according to government data.
Still, Trump believes that without him, the ranchers would not do well.
‘If it weren’t for me, they would be doing just as they’ve done for the past 20 years — Terrible!’ the president wrote in his Truth Social post, prodding the cattle ranchers.
‘It would be nice if they would understand that,’ he added.
Also alarming the cattle ranchers are outbreaks of screwworms across Mexico and an incident in Maryland.
The creature is known to decimate livestock, and it can attack humans, too. It was eradicated in the US in 1966.
Aggriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, shown in red above, was raised on a farm
The total US cattle herd was approximately 94.2 million head in July 2025 – the lowest supply since 1951, according to government data
This is part of the reason for the inflated US beef prices.
Additionally, live cattle prices are currently at an all-time high, according to market data.
The prices of live cattle have exploded by over 130 percent over the past five years. Year over year, the price is up around 30 percent.
Key necessities for cattle ranching have gone up in price due to Trump’s tariffs, critics have noted. Potash and nitrogen fertilizers, both products that are typically imported from Canada, have seen increases this year.
Trump’s shot at US ranchers also may rattle feathers in his inner circle, where at least some Cabinet members have deep connections to the farmers.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was raised on a ranch before becoming governor of South Dakota and later taking a job with the Trump administration.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins was similarly raised on a farm in Texas.
‘The bigger supply – even aligned with a bigger demand – is going to allow those prices to come down, but also to have a vital industry for these ranchers to be able to survive, which is what we’ve got to do,’ Rollins said of beef prices on Tuesday.
To alleviate high beef prices and cost-of-living concerns, Trump has floated striking a deal with Argentina, which the US just loaned $20 billion to help stabilize its economy.
President Trump and Argentina’s President Javier Milei react as they meet during the 80th United Nations General Assembly, in New York City, New York, U.S., September 23. Trump has suggested importing Argentine beef to keep costs in the US low
The president appears keen to use the stabilization deal to help him negotiate lower beef prices in return.
‘This plan only creates chaos at a critical time of the year for American cattle producers, while doing nothing to lower grocery store prices,’ Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, said in a statement regarding the Argentina import plan on Monday.
