President Donald Trump’s net approval rating has experienced a decline in 10 major beef-producing states following his announcement of a temporary increase in beef import quotas. This decision was aimed at reducing beef costs, according to polling data.
Between August 21 and September 21, states such as Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas saw Trump’s approval ratings dip, as per Civiqs’ online tracking survey data. The White House suggested that these additional imports might lower beef prices for consumers. However, critics expressed concerns about the possible negative impact on U.S. ranchers as they work to rebuild the national cattle herd.
Trump faces the challenge of balancing the need to make groceries affordable for consumers with the protection of cattle producers against increased competition from imports. The stakes are considerable in cattle-producing regions, where the industry has voiced concerns over the government’s strategy.
Approval Ratings Decline
The data from all 10 states indicated a consistent decline in net approval during the specified period. While the drop was modest, it was noticeable. In Kentucky and Oklahoma, Trump’s rating fell by three points. Kansas and Missouri recorded two-point declines, along with Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Florida. Nebraska experienced the smallest decrease, with a one-point drop. Across these states, the average decline was 2.1 percentage points, and the median decline was 2 points.
The figures reveal a pattern across cattle regions, but do not conclusively link the policy to shifts in Trump’s approval ratings, which can fluctuate due to various factors.
Details of the Beef Importation Plan
Trump unveiled the beef plan on August 21. His administration aimed to tackle the elevated grocery prices by temporarily allowing up to 300,000 metric tons of additional beef imports over 90 days for ground beef production without imposing the usual higher out-of-quota tariffs.
On August 21, Trump posted on Truth Social about the initiative, stating, “for the next 90 days, the United States will allow up to 300,000 metric tons of product for ground beef to be imported with no out-of-quota tariff. We have a commitment that this beef will be sold at 25 percent below current market prices. This deal will reduce prices for Americans while giving space for our Great American Beef Herd to grow again.”
The announcement came amid a rise in beef and veal prices, which were 9.4 percent higher compared to the previous year, while the U.S. cattle supply had dropped to historically low levels.
Industry and Political Opposition
The plan faced opposition from segments of the cattle industry and Republican officials from ranching-dependent states. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association criticized the policy, arguing it could hinder efforts to rebuild the national cattle herd.
Colin Woodall, CEO of the association, claimed that the policy “sacrifices long-term stability for short-term messaging.” He expressed disappointment, stating that while affordable groceries are a shared goal, increasing the supply of below-market beef might not aid in rebuilding the herd. Woodall noted that cattle markets saw a sharp decline, affecting farmers and ranchers.
Outgoing Republican Representative Thomas Massie criticized Trump’s proposal as ineffective, pointing out on X that farmers are already legally allowed to process their own meat, and individuals can purchase cows for personal processing. Massie highlighted restrictions on selling meat by the cut and questioned the benefits promised by Trump’s meatpacking allies.
Despite the declines, Trump continued to maintain positive approval ratings in five of the 10 states as of September 21. His approval was highest in North Dakota at plus 12, followed by South Dakota at plus 3, Kansas at plus 2, Montana at plus 1, and Oklahoma at plus 1.
The administration has framed the beef initiative as part of its broader effort to address cost-of-living issues in the lead-up to the midterm elections in November. The policy is set to remain effective beyond Election Day on November 3.
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