The Truth About Trump’s Trade Policies Hurting Farmers

Some farmers are beginning to reconsider their support for Trump. However, it’s important to remember that they elected him fully aware of the damage he caused during his first term—a period when American taxpayers had to step in and provide bailouts to struggling farmers. Now, similar challenges are arising once again.

During Trump’s first term, American farmers suffered significant setbacks, prompting the president to increase the national debt to fund farm bailouts due to lost business. Recently, White House staff have blocked and redacted a crucial analysis that revealed the true impact of Trump’s policies on farmers. This study, which usually accompanies a quarterly farm trade report, forecasts a rise in the nation’s trade deficit in agricultural products later this year, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Officials in the Trump administration delayed and altered the government’s forecast because it predicted an increased trade deficit in farm goods—a projection that contradicts Trump’s repeated claims that his economic policies, including his extensive tariffs, were benefiting American farmers.

In the past, Republicans have eagerly cited rising trade deficit figures during the Biden administration to criticize Biden officials for not doing enough to support U.S. farm exports. Yet, it remains uncertain if or when the Trump administration will release the full written analysis of its own report. This silence persists months after Trump declared, “our farmers are going to have a field day right now” thanks to his international trade policies.

Clearly, Trump lacks a firm grasp on agricultural economics, and the consequences are evident. American farmers made their choice, and now they must face the results.