Trump Hurt Farmers With Tariffs And Is Now Buying Their Loyalty for $12 Billion

"President Donald Trump's $12 billion bailout for farmers has been framed by the White House as proof that tariffs are generating enough revenue to give back to American producers. As the grandson of two strong farming families from Iowa and Illinois, the contrast between that storyline and the economic reality is impossible to ignore. Watching this rollout, the pattern is every bit as familiar for this administration as it is deeply cynical."

"China halted purchases of American soybeans and other crops in direct retaliation for Trump's tariffs. Markets shifted toward Brazil and Argentina. Prices fell. Input costs kept rising. Many farmers face the most strained financial environment since the 1980s. USDA analysts estimate losses this season could reach $44 billion. The twelve billion dollars announced at the White House covers less than a third. Yet none of this appears in the administration's narrative."

"At the event announcing the program, Trump told farmers that tariffs were enriching the country and described the payments as a small slice of the money America is collecting from nations that have taken advantage of us for years. The bailout was not presented as a patch for a self-inflicted economic wound. It was presented as confirmation that the strategy is working."

President Donald Trump's $12 billion bailout for farmers was framed as evidence that tariffs generate revenue to support American producers. Tariff retaliation from China halted purchases of soybeans and other crops, shifting markets toward Brazil and Argentina, lowering prices while input costs rose. Many farmers face a financial strain not seen since the 1980s, with USDA analysts estimating losses this season could reach $44 billion; the announced $12 billion covers less than a third. The administration presented the payments as a small slice of collected funds and as confirmation that the tariff strategy is working, while effectively using taxpayer money to offset losses caused by the policy.

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