Cattle Rancher Calls Trump ‘Delusional’ Over Beef Price Claims

UPDATE: A prominent cattle rancher has sharply criticized former President Donald Trump for his recent comments about beef prices, calling him “delusional.” This urgent exchange unfolded during a live segment on MSNBC’s “The Weekend” on Saturday, October 14, 2023.

In a post on Truth Social earlier this week, Trump claimed that American cattle ranchers owe their current success—reportedly the best in decades—to the tariffs he imposed on imported cattle, including a 50% tariff on Brazil. Trump stated, “If it weren’t for me, they would be doing just as they’ve done for the past 20 years — Terrible!” He emphasized the need for ranchers to lower their prices, highlighting consumer impact.

Responding to these statements, Craig Bieber, vice president of the South Dakota Cattleman’s Beef Association, fiercely rebutted Trump’s claims. “I think the president is delusional in the fact that, I mean, he had anything to do with these markets,” Bieber asserted. He elaborated that the cattle industry was already on an upward trajectory due to previous years of drought that had eroded the cow herd, leading to a natural market shortage.

“Almost everybody in the industry that was self-aware knew this was coming,” Bieber continued, underscoring that Trump’s tariffs did not influence the market dynamics as claimed.

This ongoing debate highlights the tension between political rhetoric and agricultural realities, impacting thousands of ranchers across the nation. As beef prices fluctuate, consumers and ranchers alike are closely watching these developments.

What’s Next: The cattle industry is expected to continue navigating these challenges, with ranchers advocating for policies that truly reflect the market conditions. As Trump’s statements resonate, further discussions and debates on agricultural economics are anticipated in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds, and share your thoughts on social media about the impact of political decisions on local industries.