Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a $12 billion farm aid package designed to support farmers struggling with low crop prices and the impact of ongoing trade disputes. The initiative comes as many producers face rising costs and limited market access due to tariff pressures.
According to the announcement, $11 billion of the funding will be distributed as one-time payments to row crop farmers through the Agriculture Department’s Farmer Bridge Assistance program. The remaining $1 billion will be used to support specialty crop farmers not covered under the main program.
Trump Says Funding Comes From Tariff Revenue
Trump stated that the aid package will be financed by “taking a small portion” of the revenue generated from tariffs imposed on imports.
He emphasized the scale of the tariff measures, saying they were set at levels “not seen in nearly a century.” While he has promoted the idea of using tariff revenue to fund federal programs, Trump has not specified how much has been collected or exactly how it is allocated.
Speaking at the White House, Trump called American farmers “the backbone of our country,” adding that the package is meant to provide reassurance during a difficult economic period aggravated by tensions with China.
Agriculture Secretary Clarifies Breakdown of Aid
During the public announcement, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins explained that $1 billion of the overall package will be withheld initially but ultimately distributed to support specialty crop expenses.
Rollins reiterated that $11 billion would be released in the first phase, prompting Trump to interject, insisting the package was for the full $12 billion, before Rollins again clarified the staged distribution.
Criticism From Senate Democrats
The aid package quickly drew criticism from Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, who argued that farmers require billions in government assistance largely because of what he described as Trump’s “disastrous” tariff policies.
Schumer said Trump is “patting himself on the back” for addressing a crisis his administration created.
He added that “farmers do not want a handout … they want markets,” calling the aid “cold comfort” for those facing mounting financial stress and instability.
