President Donald Trump has called on American cattle ranchers to reduce beef prices, asserting that tariffs he implemented are the reason for their recent success. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, "The Cattle Ranchers, who I love, don’t understand that the only reason they are doing so well, for the first time in decades, is because I put Tariffs on cattle coming into the United States, including a 50% Tariff on Brazil." He emphasized that without these tariffs, ranchers would still be struggling as they had for the past 20 years.

Trump's comments come as he faces criticism for his proposal to import beef from Argentina, a move intended to lower domestic prices and support the struggling South American economy. He mentioned, "If we do that, that will bring our beef prices down," while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One. However, this proposal has drawn backlash from ranchers and some Republican senators, who argue it could harm U.S. producers.

Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska expressed her concerns, stating, "Nebraska’s ranchers cannot afford to have the rug pulled out from under them when they’re just getting ahead or simply breaking even." The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association also criticized Trump's remarks, claiming they undermine U.S. ranchers. They stated, "America’s cattlemen and women operate in one of the most competitive marketplaces in the world. We simply ask that the government not undercut them by importing more Argentinian beef in order to manipulate prices."

Beef prices in the U.S. have risen significantly, with a 12.9% increase from August 2024 to August 2025, compared to a 5.8% rise during the same period the previous year. This surge is attributed to strong demand and the smallest U.S. cattle herd since 1961, a situation exacerbated by years of drought and low cattle prices. The Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association noted that while low cattle supplies contribute to high prices, rising input costs are also squeezing profit margins for ranchers.

The association stated, "Ranchers are currently rebuilding herds which will increase supply, but it will take time." Additionally, beef imports have decreased due to the tariffs on Brazilian beef and restrictions on imports from Mexico, where a flesh-eating pest is affecting cattle herds.

As the debate continues, ranchers are urging the administration to focus on policies that support domestic agriculture rather than importing foreign beef, which they believe could jeopardize their livelihoods.