Cattlemen Slam Trump: ‘We Can’t Support His Tariff Claims’

URGENT UPDATE: The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has fired back at President Donald Trump following his controversial remarks about American cattle ranchers. In a statement released earlier today, ranchers expressed their discontent with Trump’s claim that their recent success is solely due to his administration’s tariffs on imported cattle.

On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, Trump stated, “The Cattle Ranchers, who I love, don’t understand that the only reason they are doing so well… is because I put tariffs on cattle coming into the United States, including a 50% tariff on Brazil.” He further added that ranchers should reduce their prices to benefit consumers.

In response, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association took to Facebook, posting Trump’s comments alongside a blistering rebuttal. “The reality is that ranchers’ success is driven by their own hard work,” they stated emphatically. This response highlights the competitive nature of the U.S. cattle market, emphasizing that American cattle producers are committed to delivering the highest-quality beef globally.

The association criticized Trump’s tariffs, asserting, “Cattlemen and women cannot stand behind President Trump while he undercuts the future of family farmers and ranchers by importing Argentinian beef.” They argue that these imports threaten the livelihood of American ranchers, who operate in a highly competitive environment.

The group urged Trump and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to allow cattle markets to function without government interference. Their call to action includes advocating for the completion of the promised New World Screwworm facility in Texas and increasing investments to protect the domestic cattle herd from foreign diseases, such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).

“This administration claims to be an ally of America’s cattle producers, yet their policies suggest otherwise,” the association concluded. They are pushing for a shift in focus from market manipulation to genuine support for domestic ranchers.

As the situation develops, ranchers across the country are watching closely. The implications of this public spat could affect not only the cattle industry but also the broader economic landscape for family farms. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s strong stance indicates a growing frustration among ranchers who feel their hard work is being undermined.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.