Lawmakers’ letter to Pres. Trump: Keep ag in mind with trade policy discussions

A group of House lawmakers is asking President Trump to keep farmers in mind when furthering his trade policy, and it comes as another major trade deadline appears on the horizon.

The President is still planning to initiate reciprocal tariffs starting April 2nd, a little over one week away. However, some House Republicans, like Texas Representative Jodey Arrington, are asking for grace, requesting Trump to keep farmers in mind as he furthers his trade agenda.

They write trade barriers opposed by other countries hurt farmers, warning some countries will likely target the U.S. beef industry. Arrington says the U.S. has taken little action over the last few years.

The letter also highlights the growing ag trade deficit, which hit $32 billion last year, the highest on record. USDA’s most recent Farm Income Forecast shows profits are set to increase for the first time this year since 2022, but that is largely because of the assistance package that is currently being distributed.

Related Stories
Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) joined us on Champions of Rural America to share his insights on upcoming changes to public land management and how they will benefit agriculture and the Western working class.
As the White House works to close the trade gap, patience is wearing thin for some lawmakers. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says farmers are getting backed into a corner.
RealAg Radio host Sean Haney joins us for a Canadian perspective on President Trump’s controversial tariff rollout, lower court rulings, and upcoming review by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Interior Department is proposing to repeal the Bureau of Land Management’s Public Lands Rule. This move would make huge strides to empower local decision-making and restore balance between conservation and protecting rural livelihoods tied to these public lands.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was once again on the national stage, front and center this week before the House Agriculture Committee.