Trump told farmers to "buy bigger tractors"
USA – The upcoming U.S. midterm elections are crucial, and rural votes cannot be overlooked.
According to Reuters, at an event held on the South Lawn of the White House, Trump addressed hundreds of farmers and ranchers braving light rain, saying: "I hope John Deere, Case, and all other companies—these are big corporations, including Caterpillar… I hope these companies can offer you lower-priced tractors and equipment."
Following the announcement, Deere & Company (DE.N) shares dropped 2%. Shares of CNH Industrial, the maker of Case, fell 1%, while Caterpillar (CAT.N) declined nearly 1.2% in late trading.
In a statement sent to Reuters, Deere stated it would continue collaborating with the Trump administration, members of Congress, producers, and other stakeholders to ensure its policies on pricing, technology, and maintenance are accurate, while also working with regulators to support farmers and uphold the competitiveness of American agriculture.
An AGCO Corporation (AGCO.N) tractor was parked on the South Lawn of the White House. The company said it welcomes policies that help reduce farming costs and is committed to working with the government. CNH Industrial and Caterpillar did not respond to requests for comment.
These rural voters form a key base for Trump, having supported him in each of the past three presidential elections.
Despite government subsidies approaching historic highs, American farmers have faced four consecutive years of slim profits, high production costs, and low crop prices, leaving their financial situations precarious.
The Trump administration is distributing $12 billion in aid to U.S. farmers—agricultural trade associations and economists say this measure provides short-term relief but cannot fully offset farmers’ losses, which have exceeded $30 billion in recent years.
On Friday, Trump said he would seek additional congressional assistance for farmers. More than 50 agricultural interest groups, including the National Farmers Union, are urging Congress to approve extra aid through a military appropriations bill. Trump also announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration will provide new loan guarantees for farmers and food suppliers.
With global trade disrupted by U.S.-Israel tensions over Iran, driving up fertilizer and diesel prices, farmers are facing the critical spring planting season amid uncertainty.
As the Trump administration continues its trade war with China—the world’s largest soybean importer—long-term U.S.-China trade relations remain uncertain.
Rural voters make up one-fifth of the U.S. electorate. In the 2024 presidential election, they backed Trump over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris by a two-to-one margin.
Source: rfi
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1860970100674632/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author