President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order aimed at tackling record-high beef prices after ground beef soared to an average of $6.69 per pound in December 2025, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. While the president’s plan might help bring down prices, it could come at the expense of already struggling American farmers.
Importing More Beef
President Trump’s executive order authorizes the importation of an additional 80,000 metric tons of lean beef trimmings – which are used to make ground beef – from Argentina in calendar year 2026. Trump said this increase in supply for consumers should “ensure that hard-working Americans can afford to feed themselves and their families.”
Kent Bacus from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) challenged the Trump administration’s plan, saying the group “fundamentally disagree[s] with the premise that increased imports can lower beef prices.”
In a prepared statement, Bacus noted that the “NCBA is encouraged to see the Trump administration take necessary steps to address longstanding market-access challenges for U.S. beef in Argentina,” but he called for improved safety measures to avoid “Argentina’s issues with foreign animal diseases.” He went on to say that the “NCBA remains concerned that expanding imports from Argentina without increased inspection protocols and up-to-date audits could place American consumers and our cattle herd at unnecessary risk.”
Bacus wasn’t the only one to push back on Trump’s new order. Food economist and Michigan State University Professor David Ortega told CBS News that the import increase would not be enough to bring down prices.
“We’re talking about less than 1% of supply. And so, I wouldn’t expect this to have much of an impact on these prices,” Ortega said. “Now, it doesn’t hurt, but we’re not talking about any major quantities that we are importing that would immediately suppress prices.”
He and his rich pals will keep eating steaks, and he’s gonna provide us with more “trimmings.” Seem right to you? Wake up people.