Trump’s Beef Import Plan Impacts Approval Ratings in Key States
President Donald Trump’s net approval rating has dropped in ten key beef-producing states following his announcement of a temporary increase in beef import quotas. This measure aims to lower beef costs for consumers but has led to political fallout in states with significant cattle industries.
Decline in Approval Ratings
Civiqs’ online tracking survey shows Trump’s approval ratings fell between August 21 and September 21 in Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas. The decline was small but consistent across all states.
- In Kentucky and Oklahoma, his net approval fell by three points.
- Kansas, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Florida saw a decrease of two points.
- Nebraska recorded a one-point decline.
The data suggests a uniform trend across these states, yet it does not firmly link Trump’s policy on beef imports to the approval rating changes. Fluctuations in presidential approval can occur for multiple reasons.
About the Beef Import Plan
Trump announced the beef importation plan on August 21 to counter high prices in grocery stores. The policy permits up to 300,000 metric tons of extra beef imports for ground beef production for 90 days, exempt from the usual out-of-quota tariff.
“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.” – Donald Trump, Truth Social
At the time of the announcement, beef and veal prices were 9.4% higher than a year before. The country’s cattle supply was also at a low.
Response from the Cattle Industry
The plan faced opposition from the cattle industry and some Republican officials. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association expressed concerns about the negative impact on American cattle herd rebuilding efforts. Colin Woodall, CEO of the association, criticized the policy as sacrificing long-term stability for short-term messaging.
“NCBA is disappointed by the President’s statement. While America’s cattle producers share the goal of keeping groceries affordable for consumers, flooding the market with government-subsidized, below-market beef is not the way to rebuild the American cattle herd.” – Colin Woodall, NCBA
Republican Representative Thomas Massie referred to the proposal as a “nothing-burger,” questioning its value and impact on meat processing regulations.
Approval Ratings Retain Some Strength
Despite the overall decline, Trump maintained positive net approval in five of the ten states by September 21. He held his highest rating at plus 12 in North Dakota, followed by South Dakota, Kansas, Montana, and Oklahoma, all above water.
The administration views this measure as a strategy to manage affordability ahead of the November midterm elections. The 90-day provision extends beyond Election Day, set for November 3.