High Beef Prices? Trump Ally Points to Biden and Migrants

Treasury official blames border crossings for cattle disease

Washington, D.C. — In a heated press briefing, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent alleged that recent spikes in beef prices are being fueled by migrants transporting sick cattle across the U.S.–Mexico border. According to Bessent, the unauthorized movement of livestock is “snarling” the nation’s beef supply chain and driving up costs for consumers.

How the alleged cattle smuggling affects the market

The Treasury official warned that diseased animals can spread illnesses such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy and foot‑and‑mouth disease, forcing regulators to impose stricter quarantine measures. Those measures, in turn, delay shipments, reduce available inventory, and push wholesale prices higher.

Industry analysts say that while supply disruptions have been ongoing due to drought‑related feed shortages and labor constraints, the added risk of contaminated cattle could exacerbate the situation, especially during the holiday grilling season.

Political fallout

Republican leaders quickly seized on Bessent’s comments, accusing the Biden administration of lax border enforcement and of “sacrificing American farmers for political expediency.” The White House has not yet responded directly to the Treasury official’s statements, but a spokesperson reiterated the administration’s commitment to both secure borders and robust food safety protocols.

Consumer impact

For shoppers, the controversy translates into higher grocery bills. Retailers report that ground beef prices have risen by roughly 12 % over the past three months, while premium cuts such as ribeye and strip steak have seen increases of up to 18 % in some regions.

Consumer advocacy groups are urging the government to prioritize transparent supply‑chain monitoring and to address any genuine health threats without politicizing the issue.