Trump Signs Executive Order Targeting Food Supply Chain Price Fixing

Trump Signs Executive Order Targeting Food Price Fixing

President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order today to combat price fixing, anti-competitive practices, and foreign influence in America’s food supply chain, establishing enforcement task forces aimed at lowering grocery prices for American families.

Task Forces Established

The Executive Order directs the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission to each establish a Food Supply Chain Security Task Force within their respective agencies to aggressively investigate price fixing and anti-competitive practices across the food sector.

Task Force Powers & Mandates:

Bring enforcement actions against violators
Propose new rules to stop anti-competitive behavior and restore competition
Pursue criminal proceedings, including grand jury investigations, if evidence of criminal collusion is uncovered
Consult with Congress at six-month and one-year intervals to provide progress updates and recommend legislative action

Targeting Price Manipulation

The White House emphasized that an affordable and secure food supply is vital to America’s national and economic security, but anti-competitive behavior threatens both stability and affordability.

Key Concerns Identified:

Recent Settlements: Major players in America’s food supply chain have paid tens of millions of dollars to settle price fixing lawsuits in recent years.

Vulnerable Sectors: Meat processing, seed, fertilizer, and farm equipment industries may be subject to anti-competitive manipulation resulting in higher prices for farmers and consumers.

Foreign Control: Foreign-controlled companies are increasingly involved in key segments, potentially creating national security risks and driving up food costs for American families—issues the Task Forces are specifically directed to investigate.

“Without aggressive enforcement, price fixing and anti-competitive behavior will continue to inflate grocery bills and weaken America’s food independence.” — White House Statement

Economic Impact & Previous Actions

The White House framed the order as part of President Trump’s broader effort to reverse inflation and lower costs for American families. According to the administration:

On Day One, President Trump declared a National Energy Emergency to eliminate bureaucratic barriers and restore America’s position as the world’s leading energy producer

In July, the administration signed what it called the largest tax cuts in American history, aimed at leaving families with thousands more in their pockets annually

Last month, the Department of Justice launched an investigation into the nation’s largest meat packing companies for potential collusion and price manipulation

By halting proposed Biden-era regulations, the administration claims to have saved Americans over $180 billion, or $2,100 per family of four

The White House reports that real wages have grown by $700 under President Trump and are projected to increase by $1,200 after his first full year, compared to a reported $2,900 loss in purchasing power under the Biden administration

Looking Ahead

The administration acknowledged that lower prices cannot be achieved overnight but emphasized ongoing progress toward ensuring all Americans benefit from reduced food costs and increased competition in the food supply chain.

The dual task forces will report back to Congress within six months, with a follow-up consultation one year from the date of the order, subject to applicable law.