Trump proposal to buy Argentinian beef spurs concerns in House GOP

First on Fox: A group of House Republicans raised concerns about the potential impacts of U.S. imports of Argentine beef after Pres Donald Trump I floated the idea earlier this week.

Rep. Julie Fedorchak, R.N.D., is leading seven other House GOP lawmakers in a letter to the president Tuesday evening, warning that the potential plan has shaken the multibillion-dollar U.S. livestock industry.

“America’s livestock producers are among the most resilient and hardworking producers in the country,” the Republicans wrote. “Collectively, the livestock industry supports thousands of jobs across our counties and contributes $112 billion to rural economies across the country.”

“In recent days, we have heard strong concerns from producers about reports that the United States may import beef from Argentina.”

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President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Argentine President Javier Miley in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, October 14, 2025. (Kevin Deitch/Getty Images)

House Republicans acknowledged “the importance of strong trade relationships and diverse markets,” but added that beef producers in their regions “seek clarity on how this decision was made, what safety and inspection standards will be implemented, and how this policy aligns with your administration’s commitment to strengthening American agriculture.”

Trump indicated on Sunday that buying beef from Argentina could help lower prices for Americans at home, amid a broader promise to cut costs for American citizens.

“One of the things we’re thinking about doing is beef from Argentina,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.

“We will buy some beef from Argentina. If we do that, it will bring down our beef prices,” he later explained when speaking to reporters.

“Our grocery shopping is down, our energy prices are down. I think we’re going to get $2 gasoline very soon. We’re getting close and everything is going down. The only thing that’s staying the same is beef,” Trump said.

He added that the amount would not be “that much” but said it would help Argentina, an ally of the United States, as well.

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Driving cattle to Centennial Ranch, San Juan Mountains, Colorado. (Joe Sohm/America Visions/Global Image Collection via Getty Images)

But House Republicans questioned whether imported beef would be subject to the same food safety and animal health requirements as those in the United States, which they called the “gold standard.”

“Any import policy must hold up Foreign suppliers To those same strict standards. Lawmakers warned that introducing beef from countries with inconsistent safety or inspection records could undermine the trust that American ranchers have worked for decades to earn.

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

In addition to Fedorchak, the letter was also signed by Reps. Michelle Fischbach, R-Minn., Troy Downing, R-Mont., Gabe Evans, R-Colorado, Dusty Johnson, R-Kan., Derek Schmidt, R-Kan., Jeff Hurd, R-Colorado, and Republican Study Committee Chairman August Pfluger, Republican from Texas.

White House spokesman Khush Desai told Fox News Digital in response: “The Trump administration remains committed to meeting the needs and concerns of American livestock producers and protecting their interests at home and abroad. That’s why the administration has secured billions of dollars in new export opportunities for American agricultural products in our historic trade deals with the United Kingdom, Japan, the European Union and others.”

“This is also why the administration is focused on reversing the prolonged decline in live cattle supplies by growing America’s cattle herds through strong actions to bring disaster relief to cattle country, support new ranchers, and reduce risks to cattle producers,” Desai said.

Trump’s proposal raised some concern among some Republicans whose constituencies depend on livestock farming.

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

“The United States has safe, reliable beef, the one bright spot in our struggling farm economy,” Fisher wrote. “Nebraska ranchers cannot afford to have the rug pulled out from under them when they are just ahead or simply breaking even.”

Meanwhile, Rep. Harriet Hagman, R-Wyo., also raised major concerns about what importing beef from Argentina could do to the U.S. cattle ranching industry during a phone call with her Republican colleagues in the House on Tuesday, Fox News Digital was told.

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But some Republican reactions have been more muted. Sen. Markwayne Mullen, R-Oklahoma, told reporters that Trump “certainly identified a problem” with the cattle shortage in the United States. He added: “I understand what he is trying to accomplish. I believe there are more ways to implement it.”

“We’ve all received a number of questions and calls from constituents over the past few days, so we’re asking for clarity on the administration’s long-term plans,” Fedorchak herself told Fox News Digital. “Our farmers and ranchers are ready to implement the President’s ‘America First’ agenda.” North Dakotans are proud to produce the safest, highest-quality beef in the world — and they should We build on this success.”