AG Sec. Rollins Blames “Inherited Crisis” as Trump Says $12B Farm Bailout Only Exists Because of Tariffs
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A White House economic roundtable on Monday highlighted sharp questions about the administration’s handling of the farm economy, as both President Donald Trump and senior adviser Brooke Rollins offered contrasting explanations for the deepening strain on U.S. agriculture.
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Rollins told attendees that the administration stepped into a deteriorating landscape, saying “This country and our farm economy is facing a crisis that we inherited that most of these farmers have not seen in their lifetime. Profitability is down — it’s just one crisis after another.”
But agricultural economists widely attribute the sector’s steepest losses to retaliatory tariffs that wiped out export markets and drove down commodity prices during Trump’s trade battles — not to conditions predating the administration. Farmers in several states have reported the worst margins in years as input costs rise and overseas demand collapses.
Announcing a new $12 billion bailout intended to stabilize growers, Trump defended the funding model by linking it directly to tariff revenue. He said the relief was only possible because of his trade policies, telling the group:
“This money would not be possible without tariffs … because of tariffs, this is possible.”
Critics argue the bailout forces taxpayers to absorb financial damage caused by the administration’s own policies, while supporters say the aid is essential to prevent widespread closures across the farm belt.
The USDA says funds will begin reaching producers early next year.