UPDATE: Tensions are escalating between former President Donald Trump and American cattle ranchers. In a sharp rebuttal aired on MSNBC this morning, Craig Bieber, vice president of the South Dakota Cattleman’s Beef Association, labeled Trump’s recent claims about beef prices as “delusional.”
The controversy ignited after Trump posted on Truth Social on July 12, asserting that cattle ranchers were thriving due to his administration’s tariffs, including a staggering 50% tariff on Brazilian cattle. He stated, “If it weren’t for me, they would be doing just as they’ve done for the past 20 years — Terrible!”
Bieber’s response was quick and pointed. “I think the president is delusional in the fact that he had anything to do with these markets,” Bieber said during his appearance. “We were heading into these markets because we had a number of years of tough drought. We had eroded the cow herd, and we were going to have a shortage of cattle.”
This public disagreement highlights the growing rift between Trump’s narrative and the realities faced by ranchers. Bieber emphasized, “Almost everybody in the industry that was aware knew this was coming. The tariffs didn’t have anything to do with where we were at from a market standpoint.”
The implications of this conflict are significant. With beef prices being a crucial issue for both consumers and producers, ranchers are worried about how Trump’s comments might influence public perception and policy.
As this situation develops, ranchers and industry experts are calling for clearer communication and understanding of the factors affecting the cattle market. It remains to be seen how Trump’s statements will resonate with voters and the impact on ranchers across the nation.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
