On November 7, 2025, President Donald Trump met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the White House to discuss various topics, including the war in Ukraine and Hungary's purchase of Russian oil. During this meeting, Trump continued to assert that grocery prices were decreasing, despite evidence to the contrary. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that food inflation has risen by 3.1% since Trump initiated his trade war in April 2025, compared to a 1.8% increase during Joe Biden's final year in office.

The tariffs imposed by Trump affect a wide range of products, including essential items such as coffee, bananas, sugar, and seafood, leading to notable price increases. Economist Justin Wolfers from the University of Michigan stated that the president's claims about lower grocery prices are inaccurate, suggesting a lack of concern for the cost of living among consumers. Polling data reveals that over 80% of Americans are experiencing stress related to grocery prices, with many identifying it as a significant source of anxiety.

In response to criticism regarding affordability, Trump expressed frustration that Democrats were perceived as more effective on economic issues. He maintained that energy and grocery costs were lower, despite contradicting evidence. When questioned about the nature of tariffs, Trump provided lengthy responses that did not directly address the fact that tariffs are ultimately paid by American consumers. He argued that tariffs serve as a defensive mechanism for national security and economic stability, claiming that they prevent the U.S. from going bankrupt. However, Erica York, vice president of federal tax policy at the Tax Foundation, noted that tariffs are increasing costs for U.S. consumers and will continue to negatively impact their financial well-being as long as they remain in place.

In a related development, Trump announced a plan to quadruple imports of beef from Argentina, which has generated significant backlash from American cattle ranchers and some Republican lawmakers. This decision comes amid ongoing trade policies that have already been detrimental to farmers across the United States, particularly soybean farmers, who are facing uncertainty regarding government relief. Critics, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, have expressed concerns about the potential market disruption caused by flooding the market with cheaper foreign beef.

A group of 14 House Republicans, led by Rep. Jason Smith, sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins demanding clarity on the deal and advocating for equitable market access for U.S. beef exports. They highlighted the significant imbalance in trade, noting that Argentina exports over $200 million of beef to the U.S. while purchasing less than $2 million in return. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has criticized the administration's approach, stating that it jeopardizes the future of family farmers and ranchers, and raised concerns about potential health risks associated with Argentinian beef.

Despite the backlash, Trump and his administration have maintained their stance, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent praising the policy as a means to strengthen economic ties with Latin America. However, this approach raises questions about the consistency of an 'America First' economic philosophy that traditionally opposes increased foreign imports. The implications of this policy extend beyond immediate economic concerns, as it may alienate a significant portion of rural voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, highlighting a growing divide between the administration's trade policies and the interests of domestic agricultural producers.