Tomi Lahren, co-host of The Big Weekend Show, says the US should import less foreign beef and label international imports on “The Bottom Line.”
President Trump announced Friday that he has ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate major meatpacking companies, accusing them of driving up beef prices through “illegal collusion, price fixing and price manipulation.”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the measure is intended to protect American farmers and consumers from what he described as unfair practices by “majority foreign-owned meat packers.”
“I have asked the DOJ to immediately investigate the meatpacking companies that are driving up the price of beef through illegal collusion, price fixing, and price manipulation,” Trump wrote. “We will always protect our American ranchers, and they are being blamed for what is being done by majority foreign-owned meatpackers who are artificially inflating prices and jeopardizing the security of our nation’s food supply.”
BEEF PRICES REACH RECORD HIGH AS NATIONAL LIVESTOCK STOCKS FALL TO THE LOWEST LEVEL IN 70 YEARS
US President Donald Trump holds a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on October 26, 2025. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Trump said “immediate” action must be taken to “protect consumers, combat illegal monopolies and ensure these companies do not criminally profit at the expense of the American people.”
CEO of MCDONALD warns rising beef prices remain a challenge as inflation remains ‘sticky’
“I ask the DOJ to act quickly,” he said.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks during a news conference at DEA headquarters on July 15, 2025, in Arlington, Virginia. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
In a separate Truth Social post, Trump said that while cattle prices have fallen, the price of boxed beef has risen – describing the situation as “fishy.”
“While cattle prices have fallen substantially, the price of Boxed Beef has risen. That’s why you know something isn’t right,” Trump said. “We’ll get to the bottom of this very quickly. If there is crime, those responsible will pay a high price!”
COMPANIES MAY HAVE TO PASS ON HIGH BEEF PRICES TO CONSUMERS
Following Trump’s comments, Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that the investigation is already underway.
Beef products on display at a supermarket on July 22, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
“Our investigation is ongoing!” Bondi posted on X. “My antitrust division led by [Abigail Slater] has taken the lead together with our friend [Secretary Brooke Rollins] bee [the U.S. Department of Agriculture].”
Beef prices are at a record high after a drought left livestock numbers at their lowest level in 70 years.
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According to the latest Consumer Price Index data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, beef prices rose 14.7% year over year in September, while uncooked ground beef rose 12.9%.
