Trump hosts Rose Garden beef dinner as duty-free imports spark Republican ire

President Donald Trump, age 80, staged a Rose Garden barbecue on Wednesday, inviting Republican lawmakers along with Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and served a “Prime-aged Beef Burger.” The dinner came one day after an executive decree allowing 300,000 metric tons of foreign beef to be imported duty-free for a 90-day period, a policy that could sell the meat up to 25 % below market price.

The source of the burger’s meat was not disclosed, and the measure has drawn fire from Republicans such as Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming and Senator Tim Sheehy of Montana, who argue it threatens U.S. ranchers. Beef prices have risen nearly 10 % over the past year, with ground beef averaging $6.89 per pound, fueling voter concerns ahead of the midterms. Agricultural economist Glynn Tonsor noted the imports amount to roughly 2 % of domestic consumption and are limited to beef trimmings, suggesting any consumer price benefit may be modest. The episode highlights tension between the administration’s trade move and the need to retain rural conservative support.