rump has directed the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate major U.S. meat-packing firms for allegedly driving up beef prices through collusion, price-fixing and manipulation.
The investigation targets companies like Tyson Foods, Cargill, JBS USA and National Beef Packing Company — which together control about 80%-85% of the U.S. beef-packing market.
Trump accused mainly foreign-owned meat-packing firms of unfairly raising beef prices and pledged to “protect U.S. ranchers” and ensure the U.S. food supply is secure
Beef prices have reached record levels, with a pound of ground beef hitting around $6.33 in September 2025 — up significantly year-over-year. Reserve-to-industry conditions like drought and low cattle supply are among contributing factors.
