Trump wants cheaper beef. Republicans in key races warn his plan goes too far

Senate Republicans racing to keep their grip on power have beef with President Donald Trump’s latest affordability push.

A handful of Republicans in the upper chamber aren’t happy with Trump’s directive to allow hundreds of thousands of tons of foreign beef into the U.S. in a bid to lower grocery bills.

It comes as Americans’ struggles with everyday affordability have erupted as a key issue for voters across the country.

Sen.

Tom Cotton, R-Ark., who is up for re-election this cycle and is one of Trump’s top allies in the Senate, argued that beef prices are high "for a simple reason: Our cattle herd is too small." TRUMP URGED TO STOP TARGETING FELLOW REPUBLICANS AS GOP FIGHTS TO KEEP MAJORITY "Imported beef below market prices will only put more pressure on our cattlemen," Cotton said on X.

"I have advised the President against this ill-advised action in the past and I now urge him to reconsider.

We need to support our cattlemen, grow the herd, and let the market work." Trump last week announced on Truth Social his intent to flood the market with 300,000 metric tons of imported ground beef with a commitment that the product would be sold at 25% below current market prices over a 90-day span.

It comes as ground beef prices have soared to roughly $7 per pound, while the nation’s cattle herd earlier this year hit historic lows not seen since the 1950s, according to data from the U.S.

Department of Agriculture (USDA).

TOP GOP GROUP PUMPS $37M INTO FIGHT ON KEY ISSUE DOMINATING MIDTERM RACES: 'MUCH MORE TO COME' Trump defended his import plan as he headed to South Carolina to stump for Sen.

Darline Graham, R-S.C., arguing "that’s what the people want." "That’s what the voters want, and that’s what I want.

The ranchers are great.

They’re my people.

I love the ranchers," Trump said.