Trump’s meatpacking investigation faces MAGA doubts

On November 10, 2025, tensions remain high between American ranchers and the Trump administration concerning the beef industry. The Justice Department recently announced an investigation into major meatpacking companies, which Donald Trump had labeled as “cartels.” This move appears to be an attempt to placate ranchers who have been angered by Trump’s decision to provide substantial financial assistance to Argentina—a major competitor in the beef market. Ranchers, frustrated with high beef prices, are particularly incensed by increased beef imports from Argentina while still feeling the burden of tariffs placed on American products.The Justice Department’s probe, confirmed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, is designated to investigate price-fixing in the meatpacking industry, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, ranchers’ dissatisfaction is rooted in Trump’s financial support for Argentina’s government, led by a president aligned with Trump, which many perceive as a betrayal. Some trade groups have expressed fury, feeling that their interests have been sidelined in favor of foreign competition, exacerbated by rising costs and stagnant prices for domestic beef.

Initial reactions to the administration’s attempts to mend relations with ranchers have been lukewarm. While some Trump supporters have shown skepticism, others articulately criticized the administration’s historical ties to the beef industry. For instance, Meriwether Farms, a pro-Trump beef company, condemned Trump’s decision to import Argentine beef, labeling it an “absolute betrayal.” This reflects a broader concern within the ranching community about the administration’s allegiance to corporations that are implicated in ongoing price-fixing allegations.

Further complicating the situation are financial connections between Trump’s campaign and major players in the meatpacking sector, such as JBS, a Brazilian company involved in price-fixing lawsuits. Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, emphasized these ties in a recent social media post. He pointed out that JBS’s U.S. subsidiary donated a significant amount to Trump’s inaugural fund and lamented the lack of transparency regarding the origins of beef products, suggesting that farmers and consumers are being misled.

Although the newly announced investigation into meatpacking practices might lead to some relief for ranchers struggling with elevated beef prices, doubt persists about the administration’s sincerity and effectiveness. Critics believe that the measures presented are inadequate given the cumulative frustrations stemming from alleged conflicts of interest and a lack of support for domestic ranchers. Overall, this ongoing discord underscores the balancing act the Trump administration faces in addressing the concerns of a critical constituency while managing complex ties to the beef industry.