Top Trump Official Says Biden’s Policies Have Fueled Rising Beef Prices
The Biden administration’s aggressive cattle and climate policy is driving beef prices, according to a top Trump official. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said Monday morning on national television that President Joe Biden’s decisions have affected ranchers, cattle supplies, and grocery store prices.
The U.S. beef market is recovering from a “war on cattle” caused by environmental policies that reduced herd sizes, Rollins said. She claims drought, high production costs, and these factors have driven up retail beef prices this year.
Rollins said ground beef prices have risen sharply since the start of the year and ranchers are rebuilding after being advised to reduce herds to reduce methane emissions. Many farmers were encouraged to use climate-friendly practices, slowing cattle production. Rollins said these voluntary efforts pressured producers already facing environmental and economic issues.
According to industry experts, drought, limited pastureland, and high feed costs have reduced herd sizes nationwide. Fed data shows the nation’s cattle inventory at its lowest mid-year level in 50 years. This tightening supply has raised beef prices, and if herd rebuilding is slow, analysts expect them to rise into 2026.
Omaha Steaks CEO Nate Rempe predicted $10/pound ground beef last week. Rollins doubts the market will reach that level, but forecasts are uncertain.
White House attempts to ease consumer economic pressure. This month, Trump ordered a Justice Department meat-packing price manipulation investigation. The president cut beef and other import tariffs to lower grocery store prices.
Democrats say Trump’s trade policies raised import prices. As consumers struggle with inflation, they say the administration is trying to reverse its economic decisions.
People disagree on economic leadership. Over half of voters believe Trump has had a greater economic impact than Biden, according to recent polling. Most Republican voters believe Trump hasn’t reduced daily costs enough.
Rollins believed politics could not prevent relief. She said the administration is reviewing supply trends and expects beef prices to fall next year as ranchers rebuild herds and markets stabilize. The White House will prioritize food prices and support producers and consumers, she said.
The beef price blame debate shapes inflation, trade, and agricultural policy as Americans worry about rising food prices. It will likely dominate national debate next year due to both parties’ starkly different explanations.
Sources
U.S. Department of Agriculture data and public statements
Statements from public interviews and televised appearances
