'We do not need more imports': Republican directly calls out Trump over key policy

Rep. Mark Alford (R-Mo.) recently opposed President Donald Trump's proposal to import beef from Argentina, adding that the beef from the South American country "isn't that great."

During a Friday appearance on CNN, Alford said, "I firmly stand behind our beef producers here. We do not need more imports from Argentina. By the way, I was down there last year visiting with President [Javier] Milei, and and their beef isn't that great. I would prefer a Missouri, Kansas City strip any day over any Argentina beef."

The Missouri Republican said Americans are suffering because beef prices are high.

"The input cost that the farmers and ranchers have had in operating is untenable. We are losing 1,000 farms a month in America," he said.

Trump recently announced that the U.S. could begin importing more Argentine beef in order to bring down the record-high domestic beef prices, while also aiding Argentina as an “ally.”

But the response from U.S. ranchers, industry groups and even some GOP lawmakers has been strongly negative. They warn the move could undercut American cattle producers’ profitability, send mixed signals about “America First” trade policy, and may not actually deliver lower prices for consumers.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) calls the plan “misguided,” saying market manipulation risks harming U.S. family farmers without meaningful consumer benefits.

In some states with strong cattle sectors (e.g., Colorado), the plan has attracted bipartisan backlash.

Watch the segment below:

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