Sat, 08 Nov 2025

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 Trump calls for probe of meat packers over beef prices

In his latest attempt to take on soaring beef prices, Trump has asked the justice department to launch a federal investigation.

* US President Donald Trump has asked the Justice Department to investigate meat-packing companies over their possible role in driving up beef prices.
* Trump accused the industry of contributing to high beef prices through "Illicit Collusion, Price Fixing, and Price Manipulation".
* The probe is focused on potential antitrust violations as soaring beef prices have become a political problem for Trump's administration.
* Retail prices for beef mince rose 12.9% in the past year, while beef steaks were up 16.6%, significantly outpacing general food inflation.
* Some economists point to supply constraints and robust demand for beef as the main reason for high prices, but others argue that market dominance by a handful of companies is also a factor.
* The four largest meat processing firms control more than 80% of the beef slaughtering and packing market, leading to accusations of price-fixing and manipulation.
* Trump's call for an investigation follows Republican losses in key elections this week, where voters' concerns about the cost of living and economy were a major issue.
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