Rural Republicans Clash with Trump Over Plan to Boost Argentine Beef Imports

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s plan to import more beef from Argentina has sparked rare dissent among rural-state Republicans and U.S. ranchers. The administration confirmed it is preparing to quadruple beef purchases from Argentina to counter soaring domestic prices, now averaging $9.69 per pound. Trump said the move would “get prices down quickly,” but cattle producers and lawmakers from key beef states argue it could undercut American ranchers. Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, urged Trump to “abandon this effort to manipulate markets.”

Argentine Beef Imports

Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska and Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota voiced deep concern, with Rounds suggesting the U.S. should focus on boosting local production instead of imports. In response to backlash, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced measures to strengthen domestic ranching, including deregulation efforts.

Despite the uproar, some Republicans, like Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas, said imports would have minimal impact, citing strong global demand for American beef.

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