Trump calls for probe of meat packers over beef prices

President Trump has directed the Justice Department to investigate major meat-packing companies for potential antitrust violations, including price manipulation and collusion, as beef prices have surged well above general food inflation rates. This move represents a shift from his previous attempts to address high beef costs, which included pressuring ranchers to lower cattle prices and proposing increased beef imports from Argentina—both strategies that upset American ranchers. The meat-processing sector has become highly concentrated, with four companies controlling over 80% of beef slaughering and packing, leading to bipartisan concerns and multiple lawsuits alleging anti-competitive behavior.