Trump proposal to buy Argentinian beef spurs concerns in House GOP

FIRST ON FOX: A bunch of Home Republicans are involved concerning the potential impression of US imports of Argentine beef after President Donald Trump floated the concept earlier this week.

Rep. Julie Fedorchak, R-N.D., led seven different Home GOP lawmakers in a letter to the president Tuesday night, warning that the potential plan has thrown the billion-dollar U.S. livestock business into turmoil.

“America’s livestock producers are among the many most resilient and hardworking within the nation,” the Republicans wrote. “Collectively, the livestock business helps hundreds of jobs in our counties and contributes $112 billion to rural economies throughout the nation.”

“In current days we now have heard sturdy considerations from producers about reviews that the US might import beef from Argentina.”

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President Donald Trump speaks throughout a gathering with Argentine President Javier Milei within the Cupboard Room of the White Home in Washington, October 14, 2025. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Photos)

Home Republicans acknowledged the “significance of sturdy commerce ties and numerous markets” however added that beef producers of their districts “search readability on how this determination can be made, what security and inspection requirements will apply, and the way this coverage aligns together with your administration’s dedication to strengthening American agriculture.”

Trump recommended Sunday that purchasing beef from Argentina might assist decrease costs for People at residence, amid a broader pledge to decrease prices for U.S. residents.

“One of many issues we’re interested by is beef from Argentina,” Trump advised reporters aboard Air Power One.

Later, talking to reporters, he defined, “We’d purchase some beef from Argentina. If we do this, it can decrease our beef costs.”

“Our groceries are down, our vitality costs are down. I believe we will have two {dollars} of gasoline quickly. We’re getting nearer and every thing is in hassle. The one factor that is being tracked is beef,” Trump mentioned.

He added that it might not be “that a lot” however argued that it might additionally assist Argentina, a US ally.

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Ferry trip to Centennial Ranch, San Juan Mountains, Colorado. (Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Common Photos Group by way of Getty Photos)

However Home Republicans questioned whether or not imported beef would meet the identical meals security and animal well being requirements as that of the US, which they referred to as “the gold normal.”

‘Any import coverage should final foreign suppliers to the identical strict requirements. Introducing beef from nations with inconsistent security or inspection information might undermine the belief that American farmers have labored for many years,” the lawmakers warned.

“We respectfully request extra data on this matter and urge your authorities to make sure that future selections are made with full transparency, sound science and a agency dedication to the American livestock industry. America’s producers can compete with anybody on the earth. Given the chance, they may proceed to reply rapidly to the market demand for extra high quality American beef in our supermarkets.”

Along with Fedorchak, the letter was additionally signed by Reps. Michelle Fischbach, R-Minn., Troy Downing, R-Mont., Gabe Evans, R-Colo., Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., Derek Schmidt, R-Kan., Jeff Hurd, R-Colo., and Republican Examine Committee Chairman August Pfluger, R-Texas.

White Home spokesperson Kush Desai advised Fox Information Digital in response: “The Trump Administration stays dedicated to addressing the wants and considerations of U.S. livestock producers and safeguarding their pursuits at residence and overseas. That is why the Administration has secured billions in new export alternatives for U.S. agricultural merchandise in our historic commerce agreements with the U.Ok., Japan, the EU and others.”

“It is also why the administration is targeted on reversing a long-term decline in stay cattle provide by rising U.S. livestock herds with sturdy measures to supply catastrophe reduction to cattle nation, help new farmers and cut back dangers to ranchers,” Desai mentioned.

Trump’s proposal has brought about some concern amongst some Republicans whose constituencies depend upon ranching.

Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., wrote on X on Tuesday: “If the purpose is addressing grocery retailer beef costs, this isn’t the best way.”

“The U.S. has protected, dependable beef, and it’s the solely shiny spot in our struggling agricultural financial system. Nebraska ranchers can’t afford to have the rug pulled out from below them when they’re simply forward or simply breaking even,” Fischer wrote.

In the meantime, Fox Information Digital was advised that Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyo., additionally raised main considerations throughout a name with fellow Republicans within the Home of Representatives on Tuesday about what importing beef from Argentina might do to the U.S. livestock sector.

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However some Republican responses have been extra muted. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., advised reporters that Trump has “completely recognized an issue” relating to a livestock scarcity within the US. He added: “I perceive what he is making an attempt to get completed. I believe there are extra methods to implement it.”

Fedorchak himself advised Fox Information Digital, “We have all obtained a lot of questions and calls from our constituents in current days, so we’re asking for readability on the administration’s long-term plans. Our farmers and ranchers stand able to ship on the President’s America-First agenda. North Dakotans are proud to supply the most secure, highest-quality beef on the earth — and we have to construct on that success to construct on.”