Trump Orders Crackdown on Food Industry, Investigates Price Fixing and Foreign Control
President Donald Trump has directed federal authorities to investigate the U.S. food supply chain, focusing on potential price fixing and anti-competitive practices. The move comes amid rising consumer frustration over food costs and concerns about foreign influence in critical industries.
Executive Order Targets Food Supply Chain
In an executive order published Saturday, Trump instructed the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to set up a special task force. This team will probe the food industry for possible collusion, price manipulation, and the impact of foreign ownership on national security.
The order highlights industries like meat, seeds, and fertilizers, where Trump claims prices may be artificially inflated, affecting everyday Americans.
Trump Points to Rising Costs and Election Concerns
The executive order comes in the wake of public discontent over the cost of living, a factor that influenced Democratic victories in key elections last month. Trump has previously raised concerns about foreign-owned companies in the meatpacking sector, blaming them for rising beef prices.
Last month, he ordered a specific investigation into meatpacking companies, claiming that “majority foreign-owned” firms were driving up consumer costs. The latest order broadens this effort to include the wider food supply chain.
Potential National Security Angle
Trump emphasized that foreign control over U.S. food industries could pose a national security risk. By identifying and monitoring foreign-owned entities, the administration aims to ensure that critical sectors are not manipulated in ways that could harm domestic consumers or the economy.
What’s Next?
The DOJ and FTC task force will investigate allegations, collect evidence, and recommend actions to prevent anti-competitive practices. While the probe is in its early stages, it signals the administration’s focus on protecting American consumers and maintaining national control over essential food resources.