US farmers await trade war aid as USDA cites government shutdown

U.S. farmers are still awaiting financial aid related to the ongoing U.S.-China trade war, with many expressing concerns about their financial stability. Virginia soybean farmer John Boyd emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Time is of the essence,” and warned that without immediate support, farmers may not survive. He noted, “While the grass is growing, the cows are starving.”

President Donald Trump had pledged to redirect billions in tariff revenue to help offset losses experienced by farmers. However, months later, those funds have not been disbursed. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins attributed the delay to the government shutdown, stating, “With the shutdown, that aid has been frozen.”

In a related development, President Trump has authorized $20 billion in economic support for Argentina. This decision comes as China has shifted its soybean purchases from the U.S. to Argentina amid its ongoing boycott of American products.

For more on the implications of the government shutdown, see recent developments regarding potential impacts on SNAP benefits.