President Donald Trump is facing growing political pressure as beef prices soar to record highs, despite his campaign pledge to lower grocery costs.
For seven straight months, beef prices have reached new highs, and forecasts suggest they will continue climbing throughout Trump’s presidency.
The issue strikes at the heart of one of Trump’s key promises—bringing down food costs—while also hitting close to home for the president, who is known for his love of hamburgers. On average, Americans consume about 55 pounds of beef each year.
“Food prices are top of mind for many consumers, and they played a critical role in the last election,” said David Ortega, chair in food economics and policy at Michigan State University. “And with high beef prices, we have to keep in mind that we are a beef-consuming country.”
During the 2024 election, egg prices became a political flashpoint, with Trump repeatedly blaming Joe Biden for the spike.
“I won on groceries, we’re going to bring those prices way down,” Trump declared after his victory.
Yet earlier this year, a surge in egg prices caused by avian flu outbreaks clearly unsettled the president. In March, he vented on Truth Social, telling followers to “shut up about egg prices.”
Beef, however, is shaping up to be an even bigger challenge. Since 2024, prices have climbed nearly 20% and are projected to keep rising for at least another three years, according to Rabobank.
Several factors are driving the surge. Ranchers are contending with a long-running drought that has shrunk America’s beef herd to its smallest size since 1951. The return of the New World screwworm—a parasitic fly with flesh-eating larvae—has forced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to suspend live cattle imports from Mexico.
“We’re producing sharply less beef, so we’ve got tighter supplies, and that’s going to keep the pressure on for higher prices,” explained David Anderson, professor of livestock at Texas A&M University.
Trump’s trade policies are also complicating matters. Brazil, a major beef exporter to the U.S., was recently hit with 50% tariffs imposed by the president.
In June, beef prices hit $8.90 per pound, USDA figures show. Choice beef rose 14.9% while ground beef increased 13.8%.
Lance Zimmerman of Rabobank warned that record-setting prices are likely to persist for at least two more years, averaging around $9.50 per pound through 2027 and 2028. Some months, he added, could see prices touching $10 per pound—a 25% increase since Trump entered office.
