Trump officials are expected to provide further details about a possible deal to import more beef from Argentina later Tuesday.
Many GOP senators raised concerns directly with President Donald Trump on Tuesday about his idea to buy more beef from Argentina, according to four Republicans who attended a lunch hosted at the White House.
The Rose Garden lunch was initially scheduled to celebrate GOP unity on the shutdown and clearing Trump’s nominees, but farm-state Republicans have been on edge after the president announced Sunday that he was considering a deal with one of American ranchers’ biggest competitors in order to lower food prices.
Trump told lawmakers that he was worried about consumer beef prices in the U.S. but also worried about ranchers, according to the three people.
A handful of GOP senators spoke one-on-one Tuesday in different settings with Trump, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to express reservations about the president exploring a deal with Argentina to import beef. However, those officials weren’t on the same page about what the U.S. plans to do.
Depending on which Trump official you talk to about it, “everyone says something different,” said one GOP senator, granted anonymity to speak candidly.
Rollins is expected to clarify the possible agreement later today during a livestock roundtable Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) is hosting, according to two other people with direct knowledge of the matter.
Beef industry groups who have traditionally supported Trump’s trade agenda are also urging the president to reverse course on his Argentina proposal, worried it will undermine the economic viability of their operations.
Rachel Shin contributed to this report.