Trump’s proposal to buy Argentine beef raises concerns among House GOP

First on Fox: A group of House Republicans are raising concerns about the potential consequences of importing Argentine beef after the US president. Donald Trump The idea came up earlier this week.

Rep. Julie Fedorchak, RN.D., is leading seven other House GOP lawmakers in a letter to the president Tuesday evening, saying the potential plan would hurt the multibillion-dollar U.S. livestock industry.

“America’s cattle producers are some of the most resilient and hardworking in the nation,” the Republican wrote. “Collectively, the cattle industry supports thousands of jobs in our districts and contributes $112 billion to rural economies across the country.”

“In recent days, we’ve heard strong concerns from producers about reports that the U.S. may be importing beef from Argentina.”

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Washington, 14 Oct. President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Argentine President Javier Mille in the Cabinet Room at the White House in 2025. (Kevin Dietz/Getty Images)

House Republicans acknowledged “the importance of strong trade relationships and diverse markets” but added that beef producers in their district are “looking for 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.”

Trump suggested on Sunday that buying beef from Argentina could help lower prices at home for Americans, amid broader promises to cut costs for U.S. citizens.

“One of the things we’re looking to do is beef Argentina,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.

Later in a conversation with reporters, he elaborated, “We will buy some beef from Argentina. If we do that, our beef prices will go down.”

“Our groceries are down, our energy prices are down. I think we’re going to have $2 gasoline pretty soon. We’re getting close and everything is down. The one thing that’s held up is beef,” Trump said.

He added that it would not be “that much” but argued that it would help Argentina, a US ally.

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Cattle drive at Centennial Ranch, San Juan Mountains, Colorado. (Joe Sohm/Vision of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

But House Republicans questioned whether imported beef would meet the same food safety and animal health requirements as the U.S., which they called the “gold standard.”

“Any import policy should hold Foreign suppliers to the same strict standards. Introducing beef from countries with inconsistent safety or inspection records could undermine the confidence U.S. ranchers have built up over decades,” the lawmakers warned.

“We respectfully request additional information on this matter and urge your administration to ensure that any future decisions are made with full transparency, sound science and strong commitment. US cattle industry. America’s manufacturers can compete with anyone in the world. Given the opportunity, they will continue to quickly respond to market demand for more quality American beef in our grocery stores.”

In addition to Fedorchak, on the letter Reps. Michelle Fischbach, R-Minn., Troy Downing, R-Mont., Gabe Evans, R-Colo., Dusty Johnson, RS.D., Derek Schmidt, R-Kan., Jeff Hurd, R-Colo., and the Republican Committee R-Costudy, R-Augustuder.

White House spokesman Kush Desai told Fox News Digital in response, “The Trump administration is committed to addressing the needs and concerns of American livestock producers and protecting their interests at home and abroad. That’s why the administration has secured billions in new export opportunities for American agricultural products in our historic trade deals with the UK, Japan, the EU and others.”

“Therefore, the administration is focused on reversing the chronic decline in the live cattle supply by increasing the U.S. cattle herd by taking strong actions to address disaster relief in cattle country, support new ranchers and reduce risk to cattle producers,” Desai said.

Trump’s proposal has raised concerns among some Republicans whose constituencies depend on cattle ranching.

Sen. Deb Fisher, R-Neb., posted X Tuesday, “If the goal is to address beef prices at the grocery store, this is not the way to go.”

“America has safe, reliable beef and that’s a bright spot in our struggling economy. Nebraska’s ranchers can’t afford to have the rug pulled out from under them when they’re going broke or even broke,” Fisher wrote.

Meanwhile, Rep. Harriet Hageman, a Republican, also raised concerns about the impact beef imports from Argentina could have on the U.S. cattle industry in a call with Republicans, Fox News Digital was told.

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But some Republican responses were more muted. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla. told reporters that Trump “definitely recognizes a problem” with the U.S. cattle shortage, adding, “I understand what he’s trying to do. I think there are other ways to implement it.”

Fedorchak himself told Fox News Digital, “We’ve received many questions and calls from our constituents over the past few days, so we’re asking for clarity on the administration’s long-term plans. Our farmers and ranchers are ready to deliver on the president’s America-first agenda. North Dakotans – we’re proud to build the highest standards of safety in the world. On that success.”