Economic Momentum and Food Industry Oversight Become Centerpieces of Trump Agenda
This new directive follows similar actions taken last year, when Trump requested a DOJ probe into major meatpackers over allegations of collusion and price manipulation tied to rising beef costs. At the time, he accused large, mostly foreign-owned firms of inflating consumer prices, saying, “We will always protect our American Ranchers, and they are being blamed for what is being done by Majority Foreign Owned Meat Packers, who artificially inflate prices and jeopardize the security of our Nation’s food supply.”
As the new order takes effect, the administration is preparing for a nationwide economic tour designed to showcase policy achievements. Recent consumer sentiment data has given Trump a lift heading into the trip, marking the first positive shift in inflation expectations and household economic outlook in five months. The administration argues that its economic policies are beginning to ease cost pressures, something Trump plans to highlight during upcoming appearances.
Democratic leadership, however, is attempting to shape the midterm narrative around affordability concerns, branding their messaging as “Make America Affordable Again” (MAAA). Their campaign has emphasized a disconnect between the everyday cost of living and high-profile projects such as renovations to the White House ballroom. Democrats contend that Americans continue to struggle with housing prices, childcare costs, and rent burdens despite signs of broader economic improvement.
Trump is countering with a platform centered on long-term affordability measures. Among the policies he is promoting are tariff rebate programs aimed at lowering import-driven consumer costs, and a proposal for 50-year mortgage options designed to reduce monthly housing expenses. Reports also indicate that the administration is preparing to highlight new energy and artificial intelligence investment commitments, as well as foreign capital secured for domestic steel development.
The first event of Trump’s economic tour is scheduled for Tuesday at a casino in northeastern Pennsylvania. There, officials say he will outline the new food industry enforcement strategy, present economic data, and lay out the administration’s broader vision for cost-of-living relief across the country.