Kathrine Frich
Tensions between Washington and Beijing have shaped the direction of American agriculture for years.
It has tested the stability of a sector deeply dependent on foreign markets.
Farmers have been pulled between rising costs, shifting tariff policies and political rhetoric that has repeatedly unsettled commodity buyers abroad.
That friction has continued into President Donald Trump’s second term, where efforts to stabilise rural support have run alongside renewed trade disputes and unpredictable signals from the White House.
Confusing claims
Speaking to a group of agricultural producers during the rollout of a new 12 billion dollar support package, Trump attempted to reassure growers facing higher expenses linked to ongoing tariff pressure with China.
The gathering brought together farmers from across several key commodities, including soybeans, wheat and cattle.
During his remarks, Trump said:
“I told this to President Xi, our soybeans are more nutritious than competitors. Somebody said, ‘Is that a Trump statement or is that real?’” He then added:
“In fact, you know who asked me that question? President Xi asked me that question. He said, ‘Really? I never heard of it.’ And he was a food purchaser for a long time.”
The comments circulated widely after being shared on X, where users questioned the logic of the exchange and pointed out contradictions.
One wrote:
“He can’t even make his own lie consistent. He claims he told Xi our soybeans are more nutritious, then claims Xi asked him which soybeans are more nutritious. How does that work?”
“BS. Lmao I hope Xi asked him if that was real or just his usual BS,” another user posted.
Strains in the farm belt
The confusion comes at a moment when Trump’s polling numbers among traditionally loyal farming communities have dipped.
Prolonged trade friction has eroded confidence, especially in soybean producing states that rely heavily on Chinese buyers.
Since Trump announced his latest trade arrangement in late October, Beijing has purchased roughly 2.8 million metric tons of soybeans, which analysts note is about a quarter of what the administration initially suggested.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CBS that “The Chinese actually used our soybean farmers as pawns in the trade negotiations.”
Beef producers have faced similar pressure as drought has shrunk US herds and imports have fallen. Trump responded by promising increased shipments from Argentina.
Policy moves continue
The president also signed an executive order instructing the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission to examine “anti-competitive behaviour” in food supply chains, covering seeds, fertiliser and machinery.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins praised the effort, saying the administration aimed to open markets rather than rely on subsidies, though she confirmed a “bridge payment” would be announced.
Farmer advocates remain sceptical. “Farmers don’t want free aid. We want free trade,” Mark Read of the Illinois Soybean Association told CNN.
Sources: Fox News, Express, CNN, AFP, CBS
