Trump bets on imported lean beef to cut prices, facing GOP backlash

President Donald Trump signed a 90‑day proclamation to dramatically boost lean beef imports (300,000 metric tons) with the aim of lowering ground beef prices by roughly 25% below current levels; if prices don’t fall, he may end the action. The White House is also weighing related policy tweaks (potential country-of-origin labeling) that would require Congress. The plan has provoked backlash from major cattle groups and several Republican lawmakers who warn it could depress markets and hinder long‑term herd rebuilding, and it does not specify which countries will supply the meat. The first import tranche is set to start Sept. 1 as part of a broader affordability push ahead of the midterms.