Trump opens beef imports to slash prices before midterms

On August 21, 2026, President Donald Trump announced a 90-day tariff exemption for up to 300,000 metric tons of imported ground beef in the United States. He said the move would lower prices for American families and help rebuild the domestic herd. The decision drew criticism from ranchers and Senator Tim Sheehy, who argued it would hurt American producers. The announcement comes ahead of midterm elections where the cost of living is a key issue.