During a heated exchange, former U.S. President Donald $TRUMP sharply responded to a reporter’s question about how purchasing Argentine beef would benefit American farmers.
Reporter: “What do you say to U.S. farmers who feel this deal favors Argentina more than them?”
$TRUMP : “Look, look — Argentina is fighting for its life. Young lady, you don’t know anything about it. Nothing’s benefiting Argentina — they’re struggling to survive. Do you understand what that means? They have no money, no stability, nothing. If I can help them survive in a free world, I will. I happen to like the President of Argentina — he’s trying his best. But don’t make it sound like they’re doing well — they’re dying.”
$TRUMP ’s comments come alongside a controversial plan to support Argentina’s collapsing currency through a $20 billion credit swap line, backed by sovereign funds and private investors. The U.S. would also import beef from Argentina, which Trump claims would help reduce domestic beef prices.
Meanwhile, Argentina has recently lifted export restrictions and begun exporting massive quantities of beef to China, which has been buying aggressively amid the ongoing #TariffWars with the U.S.
Reacting to the news, American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland expressed deep frustration:
> “The frustration is overwhelming. U.S. soybean prices are falling, harvest is underway, and instead of hearing about a trade deal with China, farmers are reading headlines about the U.S. sending $20 billion in support to Argentina.”
