Donald Trump has ordered the DOJ investigate meatpacking firms.
Trump wrote: “I have requested the DOJ immediately begin an inquiry into the Meat Packing Companies that are driving up prices of Beef by Illicit Collusion and Price Manipulation.”
Trump added that “action must be taken right away to protect consumers, combat illegal monopolies, and ensure these Corporations do not profit criminally at the expense the American People.”
I have requested that the DOJ immediately launch an investigation into Meat Packing Companies, who are driving the price of Beef up through illegal collusion, price fixing, and manipulation. Majority Foreign Owned Meat Packers are being blamed by us for artificially inflating prices and threatening the safety of our nation’s food supply. Immediate action is needed to protect consumers, combat illegal monopolies, and ensure that these corporations are not profiting criminally at the expense the American people. I’m asking the DOJ for quick action. I appreciate your attention on this matter.
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The price of boxed beef has increased, while the prices of cattle have decreased. Those responsible for criminality will pay a heavy price.
Trump met with GOP Senators just before he posted the article.
Sen. Cindy Hyde Smith (R-Miss.) Last month, a Trump supporter whose family rears cattle told Vice President JDVance that meatpackers are the cause of high beef prices and not ranchers. Trump repeated this argument on Friday.
Trump met with Hyde Smith and Sens. Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla.), on Friday just before his posting, according to two sources familiar with the conversation who requested anonymity in order to discuss it.
In a post on social media, Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that an investigation is underway into meatpacking firms in coordination with USDA. Bondi and Trump did not specify which companies are being targeted. However, many of the biggest companies in the meatpacking industry are located abroad.
