Trump Orders DOJ To Investigate Cause Of Soaring Beef Prices
President Donald J. Trump announced Thursday that he has ordered the Department of Justice to determine whether major meatpacking companies are illegally inflating beef prices, signaling a direct challenge to an industry long accused of consolidation and price manipulation.
In a social media statement, the president said the DOJ must investigate whether large processors are engaged in “illicit collusion” that harms both consumers at the grocery store and ranchers in cattle-producing states, The Washington Times reported.
“Action must be taken immediately to protect consumers, combat illegal monopolies, and ensure these corporations are not criminally profiting at the expense of the American people,” Trump wrote. “I am asking the DOJ to act expeditiously.”
The move underscores the administration’s effort to reduce food inflation while protecting U.S. ranchers — a key part of the president’s political coalition. Beef prices have climbed to historic highs, with ground beef averaging nearly $7 per pound. Analysts point to drought conditions, reduced cattle herds, and high domestic demand, though ranchers argue corporate consolidation plays a central role.
Trump has floated the possibility of increased imports from Argentina to ease short-term supply strains, but ranchers pushed back, saying such a move risks weakening American producers. On Thursday, Trump shifted the focus squarely onto the nation’s four dominant meatpacking firms.
“We will always protect our American Ranchers,” Trump declared. “and they are being blamed for what is being done by Majority Foreign Owned Meat Packers, who artificially inflate prices, and jeopardize the security of our Nation’s food supply.”
Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef collectively control more than 80 percent of the U.S. beef processing market. The Coalition for a Prosperous America says such concentration allows the companies to “manipulate prices, labeling, and supply to profit at the expense of ranchers and consumers alike.”
The industry has faced multiple lawsuits in recent years, resulting in multimillion-dollar settlements, though processors continue to deny price-fixing claims. Trump did not cite specific new evidence of wrongdoing but suggested there may be “chicanery in the marketplace.”
The Department of Justice has not yet confirmed whether a formal investigation has begun.
The directive comes amid the president’s broader push to confront what he calls “corporate greed” and “foreign-owned monopolies,” framing the issue as one of national economic sovereignty — and kitchen-table survival for families.
But the Justice Department has also been tackling more immediate threats.
Federal officials say a self-described anarchist was arrested for allegedly placing a $45,000 bounty on U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s life. The suspect, 29-year-old Tyler Maxon Avalos, was detained on Oct. 16 after a tipster alerted the FBI to a TikTok post featuring Bondi’s photo marked with a sniper-scope targeting reticle.
The caption read: “WANTED: Pam Bondi / REWARD: 45,000 DEAD OR ALIVE / (PREFERABLY DEAD).” Below it, Avalos allegedly added: “Cough cough. When they don’t serve us, then what?”
Agents say Avalos operated under the handle “Wacko,” displayed an anarchy emblem in his profile, and linked to an “An Anarchist FAQ book.” He now faces federal charges.
The president has not yet issued a public statement on the case, but administration officials say threats targeting government officials will be prosecuted aggressively.