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Trump Orders DOJ Antitrust Probe Into Meatpackers Over Soaring Beef Prices

The Justice Department says the investigation is underway in partnership with USDA following the president’s accusation that majority foreign‑owned packers are colluding.

Overview

  • Attorney General Pam Bondi said Antitrust Division chief Abigail Slater is leading the probe with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.
  • Trump alleged price fixing and manipulation without presenting evidence, citing boxed beef rising even as cattle prices declined.
  • Beef prices are at record highs as the U.S. cattle herd sits at multi‑decade lows, with drought, tariffs and labor constraints tightening supply, according to government data and analysts.
  • Tyson, Cargill, JBS and National Beef dominate U.S. processing and have faced price‑fixing suits and settlements, which the companies have denied.
  • JBS shares dropped after the announcement, and ranch groups and Republican senators remain critical of plans to expand low‑tariff Argentine beef imports.