GOP Lawmakers Rip Trump for Throwing U.S. Farmers Under the Bus

Earlier this spring, U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on China prompted Beijing to halt purchases of American soybeans.

Trump’s commitment to helping Argentina and its embattled president, Javier Milei — a political ally — has appeared at odds with his “America First” policy platform. (U.S. Department of Agriculture Facebook)

He then offered a $20 billion bailout to Argentina, whose soybean crop sales to China have replaced those from U.S. farmers.

Trump also announced that the U.S. would buy beef from Argentina to bring down prices for American consumers, Natalie Allison, Abha Bhattarai, and Riley Beggin reported for The Washington Post.

Trump’s commitment to helping Argentina and its embattled president, Javier Milei — a political ally — has appeared at odds with his “America First” policy platform, raising rare objections from some within his base, even as many say they still trust Trump to act in their best interests.

A test of Trump’s ability to negotiate a trade deal to help struggling farmers will come in an expected meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at a summit in South Korea.

Trump has yet to provide an aid package to farmers that he previously said would be funded by new tariff revenue.

Criticism of the bailout has grown on Capitol Hill, with several congressional Republicans opposing Trump’s proposal to buy Argentine beef, arguing that it hurts ranchers in their states.

During Senate and House GOP meetings and conference calls on Tuesday, lawmakers shared the frustrations of U.S. ranchers.

On a call with House Republicans, Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.), a Trump ally, complained that an Argentine beef deal would harm U.S. ranchers.

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), whom Trump has endorsed as “100% MAGA,” reportedly called the president to express her displeasure with his plan.

Republican Sens. Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts of Nebraska said this week that they oppose importing beef from Argentina, as did Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.).

Rep. Marlin A. Stutzman (R-Ind.), a farmer and rancher, also voiced opposition. “Being ‘America First’ means putting American beef first,” Stutzman said in a statement to The Washington Post.

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), meanwhile, has for weeks criticized Trump’s $20 billion Argentina bailout, arguing that U.S. soybean farmers should have been helped first.