President Donald Trump announced an effort to allow ranchers to process their own beef - only after conservative political commentator Glenn Beck planted the idea in his head days ealirer. . On Truth Social Friday, the president said he “heard” that four meat-processing plants had created a “monopoly” over the industry and “they make life miserable for our wonderful Farmers and Ranchers.” “In order to break this powerful monopoly, with much of its ownership based outside of the U.S., I am authorizing legal documents to be drawn in order to allow Farmers and Ranchers to be given the right to PROCESS THEIR OWN FOOD,” Trump wrote. The announcement came roughly two days after Beck asked Trump to “please, please… look at the cartel that is the meat-processing cartel” and told the president the processing plants were “colluding with each other” on his show, “The Glenn Beck Program.” Beck made the comment as he interviewed Trump for the program.
The president seemed receptive to the idea and wasn’t aware of the regulations with meat processing. Trump’s latest effort to make good with farmers and ranchers also arrives as he faces backlash for lowering tariffs on imported beef to make meat less expensive for Americans. Last week, Trump said he would allow 300,000 metric tons of ground beef to be imported with lower tariffs, as consumers face rising food costs.
Cattle ranchers quickly pushed back on the policy, accusing the administration of hurting farmers with “whiplash” trade policy and beef imports. Some congressional Republicans issued unusually critical statements in response to Trump’s announcement. Now, the president has seemingly found a way to earn brownie points with farmers and ranchers who have grown frustrated – including Beck.
While speaking with the president on his show, Beck complained that strict federal regulations around meat processing have made it difficult for him to run his own ranch. The regulations are just killing us.” Trump seemed interested in Beck’s complaints during the show, at one point asking Beck “if you didn’t have those regulations, could you do it on your ranch?” When Beck responded affirmatively, Trump said he would immediately look into it. The administration had already been considering implementing policies that would help farmers and ranchers to settle their anger, Politico reported.
It’s unclear how Trump plans to change meat processing regulations in the U.S. Under current laws, animal processing plants require consistent federal inspection to ensure humane slaughter, correct labeling, proper sanitation and maintained buildings. Some states also have their own meat-inspection agencies in addition to federal requirements.
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