President Donald Trump signed a new executive order this week aimed at tackling price fixing and anti-competitive behavior in the U.S. food supply chain—an issue he says is driving up grocery prices and threatening national security.
The order, signed December 6, directs both the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission to create dedicated Food Supply Chain Security Task Forces. These task forces will investigate anti-competitive conduct in key food sectors, such as meatpacking, seeds, fertilizer, and farm equipment.
“Without aggressive enforcement, price fixing and anti-competitive behavior will continue to inflate grocery bills and weaken America’s food independence,” the White House stated in a fact sheet.
Investigations and enforcement on the table
Both agencies are now empowered to launch enforcement actions and propose new rules to restore competition. The Attorney General is also authorized to pursue criminal charges and initiate grand jury investigations if evidence of collusion is found.
The task forces will consult with Congress after six months and again at the one-year mark to provide updates and recommend further action.
Trump cited previous settlements—totaling tens of millions of dollars—paid by major food industry players in price fixing cases as proof of widespread manipulation that impacts both farmers and consumers.
Foreign ownership flagged as risk
The executive order also calls attention to foreign control in the U.S. food sector, warning that overseas companies involved in critical supply chain segments could pose national security risks and contribute to rising costs. The task forces are specifically instructed to look into these concerns.
Economic pitch to families
The White House positioned the move as part of Trump’s broader effort to lower food prices and address what it calls “Biden’s inflation crisis.” The administration claims:
- A July tax cut package will save families thousands annually.
- Blocking Biden-era regulations has already saved Americans $180 billion.
- Real wages have grown by $700 under Trump, and are projected to rise further.
The President also pointed to his recent directive for the Department of Justice to investigate the largest meatpacking companies, saying it reflects his commitment to protecting consumers from corporate collusion.
“President Trump is fighting every day to reverse Biden’s inflation crisis and bring down sky-high grocery prices—and he will not rest until every American feels the relief at the checkout line,” the statement said.
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