Measures to combat high U.S. prices go astray; ruling party rebels ahead of midterm elections

[Washington Current Affairs] US President Trump's measures to combat rising prices are going astray. Measures to lower beef prices are unpopular with ranchers. The country's sudden approach to Russia with the aim of curbing the sharp rise in diesel oil prices also provoked a backlash from the ruling Republican Party. Mr. Trump hopes to solidify his support in the two weeks leading up to the November 3 midterm elections, but he is facing headwinds.

"I want to lower beef prices. That's what voters want and that's what I want." Trump has expressed his desire to lower beef prices.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, ground beef prices have increased by more than 20% since before Trump took office. This is because the number of animals kept has decreased due to drought and other factors, and the rising prices of common foods such as hamburgers are putting pressure on household budgets.

The US administration has introduced measures to expand the quota for importing ground beef at low tariffs by 300,000 tons for three months starting in September. Trump has vowed to cut beef prices by 25%.

However, there was a backlash from producers who said it would lead to an increase in the influx of cheaper imported goods. Woodall, CEO of the National Beef Producers and Beef Association, criticized the issue, saying, ``Even if a large amount of beef enters the market, it will not lead to a recovery in the number of cattle being raised.'' Representative Hinson, a Republican Senate candidate in the close battle state of Iowa, also distanced himself from the issue, saying, ``I want to lower prices, but (expanding imports) is a bad idea.''

In response to complaints, just a week after announcing the expansion of low-tariff quotas, Trump signed an executive order to facilitate interstate distribution of meat products.

In response to the sharp rise in diesel oil prices, the government announced that it had reached an agreement with President Putin to release more than 300,000 tons of Russian-produced diesel oil onto the market. "Lowering prices for farmers, ranchers and truck drivers is a top priority," Trump told public opinion.

The anti-Russian sanctions law enacted in September has also been revised. He signed an executive order suspending 100% tariffs on major countries that purchase crude oil and natural gas from Russia.

However, it is inevitable that the pressure on Russia will be reduced through a series of measures. Republican Sen. Cruz of Texas told the US media, ``I didn't want the president to do that. It was a mistake,'' and Sen. Tillis of North Carolina criticized the move, calling it ``totally irresponsible.''

As measures to increase prices backfire, University of Denver professor Seth Muskett, an expert on political science, points out the impact on elections, saying, ``Many livestock producers, farmers, and conservative voters are becoming dissatisfied.''