Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, the Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, led a coalition of 13 Democratic senators in urging President Trump to halt his planned $20 billion bailout to Argentina. The move comes as Argentina’s government suspended its soybean export taxes, a policy shift that immediately made its soybeans more competitive in global markets, directly undercutting American farmers.
“Despite that, you are still reportedly moving forward with the bailout for the country,” the senators wrote in their letter to the White House. “American soybean farmers, already hurting from your sweeping tariffs, deserve better.” The senators argued that taxpayer dollars should not be used to bolster the re-election campaign of a foreign president while U.S. farmers face mounting challenges.
The issue is especially urgent for American soybean producers. Harvest is underway across the Midwest, yet prices have been falling under the weight of reduced Chinese buying and broader trade tensions. USDA’s latest data shows exports lagging behind last year, leaving many farmers with unsold supplies and thinner margins. Industry leaders warn that Argentina’s suspension of export taxes threatens to further squeeze U.S. farmers out of global markets at a time when they can least afford it.
The American Soybean Association highlighted this frustration, saying, “U.S. soybean prices are falling, the harvest is underway, and farmers read headlines about not securing a trade agreement with China, but that the government is extending billions to Argentina.” Farmers in states like Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota—where soybeans are a cornerstone of the economy—are expressing concern that Washington’s priorities are misplaced.
The timeline of events adds to the tension. Argentina announced the suspension of its export taxes just as U.S. combines began rolling through fields. Meanwhile, Chinese imports of American soybeans remain on hold due to tariffs, pushing down prices. Despite these developments, the White House is reportedly pressing forward with a multi-billion-dollar bailout package to Argentina. Senate Democrats, led by Klobuchar, swiftly responded with a letter demanding that the administration change course.
The political stakes are high. Democrats frame the bailout as undermining U.S. farmers in favor of foreign interests, while Republicans have so far largely defended the president’s foreign policy approach. Farm groups continue to call for concrete relief, saying that U.S. farmers need stronger markets, not more competition from subsidized foreign rivals.
