Journalism of Courage
US President Donald Trump will announce a $12 billion support package on Monday for farmers affected by his trade policies, two White House officials told Reuters.
Farm groups and Republican lawmakers from agricultural states have been asking for help ahead of next year’s planting season, saying farmers need support to buy seeds, fertiliser and other essentials. US growers have faced record harvests this year and billions of dollars in lost soybean sales to China, which shifted purchases to South America during stalled trade talks.
The roundtable event will be attended by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, and members of Congress, along with farmers growing corn, cotton, sorghum, soybeans, rice, wheat, and potatoes, as well as cattle producers
Up to $11 billion will go to a new Farmer Bridge Assistance programme aimed at row-crop farmers hurt by trade disputes, the official said. The remaining $1 billion will cover other crops, with exact details still being finalised.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told Reuters the aid package demonstrates Trump’s support for agricultural producers. “This shows the president’s commitment to farmers,” she said.
The administration had earlier been expected to announce a package of up to $15 billion in October. Rollins has said the 43-day federal government shutdown delayed the rollout.
Farmers have faced repeated disruptions under Trump’s trade approach. During his first term, he directed about $23 billion in aid to farmers affected by disputes with major trading partners.
Government payments to farmers were already set to reach nearly $40 billion this year, driven by disaster relief and other emergency programmes, according to Reuters reporting.
