Republican Senators Revolt Over Trump's Beef Tariff Waiver

Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) said he had urged Trump not to do it. "I've advised President Trump against this course of action for a year because American ranchers have been struggling against the packer monopoly for decades, and this will further harm them - most of whom are MAGA Republicans," Sheehy wrote on X, in comments reported by CNN and Mediaite. Sheehy added that Trump's "heart is in the right place" on prices, but that the move "will make it more difficult for American ranchers to rebuild our herd."

Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) called herself "extremely disappointed," writing that "we cannot do it at the expense of American producers" and that "flooding the market with foreign beef hurts our livestock industry," per Mediaite and The American Conservative. Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) said the plan "compromises Nebraska farmers and ranchers," Raw Story reported. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) called it "a slap in the face to American cattlemen & consumers" and demanded country-of-origin labeling.

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) tied it to consolidation in processing. "After Tyson closure in Illinois last wk I'm concerned for the cattle markets +now Pres Trump's decision to temporarily open up subsidized beef imports," he posted, according to CNN. Mediaite also logged pushback from Sens. Steve Daines (R-MT) and Reps. Mike Flood (R-NE), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Kat Cammack (R-FL), Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Troy Downing (R-MT).

Industry: "You don't put America first by putting U.S. cattle producers last"

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association said on social media that "no cow-calf producer in America is asking for increased imports," CNN reported. NCBA CEO Colin Woodall said the announcement "throws cold water on the prospect of herd expansion and sacrifices long-term stability for short term messaging," per The Center Square. United States Cattlemen's Association president Justin Tupper told Politico, as relayed by Raw Story: "You don't put America first by putting U.S. cattle producers last." Wyoming-based Meriwether Farms posted a one-word response on X — "Betrayal" — The American Conservative reported.