Beef war erupts between Trump and Senate GOP
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More than a dozen Republican senators have now publicly criticized President Trump's decision to import tariff-free, discounted beef.
Why it matters: Affordability concerns are making the GOP's already bad electoral prospects worse, but Trump's latest move to try to drive down grocery prices is infuriating key parts of his base.
The intrigue: Trump's beef decision is the kind of action that would lead to many hallway questions from reporters if Congress was in town.
- But even safe in their home states, senators are choosing to speak out against the move.
What they're saying: "Americans want U.S. beef on the table — not foreign imports," Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), the No. 2 ranked Republican in the Senate, posted on X.
- "I have advised the President against this ill-advised action in the past and I now urge him to reconsider," Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), also a member of leadership, posted.
- Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) called the move a "mistake" from the Capitol, saying, "Every time the government micromanages the economy, consumers suffer."
Close Trump allies like Sens. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) spoke out, too.
- "I have heard directly from Alabamians about this policy shift, and I share their deep concerns," Britt told a local news outlet.
- Daines posted that "importing foreign beef is only going to hurt our ranchers and increase prices over the long-term."
- "I don't think this is the best move on the President's part," Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kans.) said during a radio interview.
Between the lines: It's unusual for such a broad swath of Senate Republicans to openly criticize Trump's policies this forcefully.
Senators up for re-election this year also pushed back.
- "Flooding the market with lower quality beef compromises Nebraska farmers and ranchers. They should be enabled to grow herd sizes and meet consumer demand," Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) posted.
- Sen. Cindy Hyde Smith (R-Miss.) posted that she had been to the White House to express her concerns, saying cattle producers "shouldn't be asked to absorb the costs of cheaper imports."
They joined senators representing states dependent on cattle ranching.
- "I've advised President Trump against this course of action for a year because American ranchers have been struggling against the packer monopoly for decades," Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) posted, "and this will further harm them - most of whom are MAGA Republicans."
- "I'm extremely disappointed by this decision from the White House," Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) posted.
"I urge President Trump to halt this action, listen to ranchers and let the free market work," Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) posted.
