WASHINGTON — In a bold and decisive move aimed at restoring economic freedom to the heartland, President Donald Trump announced Friday that American ranchers and farmers will be granted the unequivocal right to process their own food, directly challenging the entrenched, often foreign-owned, monopolies that have long dominated the nation's food supply chain.

"Ranchers and Farmers have always been a number one priority for me," the President stated firmly on Friday. "They work very hard, are smart, efficient, and immaculately CLEAN, but for years I have heard that they have had a tremendous problem with the Big Processors, who many say are a nasty Monopoly."

President Trump did not mince words, calling out the concentrated power in the industry. "There are, essentially, 4 of them, a very non competitive number, and they make life miserable for our wonderful Farmers and Ranchers, and I can’t let that happen, can I?" he asked, framing the issue as a critical fight for American producers. "So, in order to break this powerful monopoly, with much of its ownership based outside of the U.S., I am authorizing legal documents to be drawn in order to allow Farmers and Ranchers to be given the right to PROCESS THEIR OWN FOOD. This should move quickly."

The President was referencing the quartet of corporate giants — JBS USA (a U.S. subsidiary of Brazil-based JBS S.A.), Tyson Foods, Cargill, and the National Beef Packing Company (majority owned by Brazil's Marfrig). These four control an astounding 80% to 85% of the U.S. beef processing business, effectively dictating terms to American cattle producers and consumers alike.

For too long, these meatpackers have squeezed America's cattle producers, contributing to shrinking herds and driving up prices at the grocery store for everyday families. This isn't a new concern for the Trump administration; in November 2025, the President had already ordered the Department of Justice to investigate these companies for potential collusion, price manipulation, or outright price fixing. The White House messaging at the time was clear: industry consolidation had crushed competition, exploited American consumers, farmers, and ranchers, and needed to be reined in.

"President Trump will ALWAYS have the backs of our Great American Farmers," the White House reaffirmed, underscoring the enduring commitment to those who feed the nation.

This bold move garnered widespread approval from President Trump's staunchest supporters and even swayed some previous critics, including members of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) coalition.

"I took heat from Trump loyalists for speaking out against Trump, but taking on the meatpacking monopoly is the right play," remarked MAHA advocate Shawn Hendrix, highlighting the principle over partisan loyalty. "I support good policy over blind worship every single time. I will always call it like it is, regardless of who agrees or who’s in office. This is good!"

Alex Clark, host of the Culture Apothecary podcast, echoed the sentiment on Friday, posting, "Amazing things get done when people of integrity speak out." Speaking to The Daily Wire, Clark added, "The president’s approval soars when he listens to the American people over corporations. This is the President we love."

This decisive action is more than just policy; it’s a direct declaration that President Trump will always stand with working Americans, fighting against entrenched corporate power and globalist influence to restore economic freedom and prosperity to the heartland. It's the America First promise in action, ensuring that those who put food on our tables are not crushed by monopolistic forces, but empowered to thrive.