Republican lawmakers from cattle-producing states are warning President Trump that his move to boost imports of foreign ground beef, intended to lower grocery prices, is angering ranchers who form a core part of his political base, just as the midterm elections approach. Senators and representatives from South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas and Iowa say the policy undercuts the party's affordability message and risks alienating loyal supporters who feel betrayed by an administration they consider closely aligned with agricultural interests.

Trump signed an order last week to bring in 300,000 metric tons of imported ground beef, to be sold at 25% below current market prices for 90 days, aiming to cut consumer costs while allowing ranchers to rebuild herds that have shrunk to their lowest levels since the 1950s due to drought and screwworm infestation. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he backed the goal of lower prices but not this method, while US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told House Republicans in a private meeting that the strategy was temporary, though several lawmakers, including Iowa's Zach Nunn, remained concerned and said they intended to press Trump directly on the issue.