1776Reporting
Pro Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre has stepped into the political spotlight once again, urging America to reclaim its farmland from Chinese ownership. The former NFL quarterback, who has been vocal in his support for President-elect Donald Trump, recently shared a strong opinion on the controversial issue of foreign land ownership in the United States.
In a post on X, Favre shared a statement that read, “Do you think China should forfeit their 192,000 acres of US farmland and be banned from purchasing more?” Adding his thoughts, he captioned the post: “That’s a ton of land. If true, Americans should own American farmland.” His statement quickly sparked widespread discussions online.
Growing Concern Over Chinese Land Ownership
Reports have highlighted the rapid increase in Chinese agricultural investments in the U.S. over the past decade. Between 2009 and 2016, such investments reportedly grew tenfold. By 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimated that Chinese entities owned about 192,000 acres of farmland, with further acquisitions bringing the total value of Chinese-owned U.S. land to $6.1 billion by March 2021.
This farmland isn’t just scattered randomly. Investigative journalist Sara Carter previously revealed that Chinese-owned plots are strategically located near critical sites, including military bases like Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas and Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. These locations have raised national security concerns, especially with ongoing tensions surrounding fentanyl smuggling and foreign surveillance.
Calls for Stronger Policies
Despite growing apprehension, the Biden administration has faced criticism for its handling of foreign-owned land tracking. In January, an investigation by the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that the USDA failed to share timely updates on foreign agricultural investments as mandated by the 1978 Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act.
Lawmakers have since been pushing for stricter regulations. In March, bipartisan representatives proposed expanding the authority of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to better monitor and restrict foreign real estate purchases. However, these efforts haven’t yet fully addressed the mounting public concerns.
Favre’s Political Engagement
Favre’s stance on farmland ownership aligns with his broader political advocacy. A dedicated supporter of Donald Trump, Favre has used his platform to amplify conservative issues. During Trump’s campaign rally in Wisconsin, Favre passionately defended Trump supporters against President Biden’s past comments. “I can assure you we’re not garbage,” he said. “I see police officers, teachers, nurses, grandparents, students. I see everyday Americans that make this country great.”
Favre didn’t hold back on his criticism of Vice President Kamala Harris either, calling the idea of her serving another term “insane.” He added, “It would be insane to give Kamala four more years in office. So it’s time to bench Kamala and put in the star quarterback.”
Balancing Fame and Controversy
Though Favre has often stated that sports should steer clear of politics, he hasn’t shied away from addressing hot-button topics. From his critique of NFL players kneeling during the national anthem to his comments on women’s sports, Favre’s views have often placed him at the center of heated debates. In a now-defunct podcast, Bolling with Favre, he even faced backlash for questioning the intent behind Derek Chauvin’s actions in the death of George Floyd.
Still, Favre remains a polarizing figure, with a dedicated following among conservatives who resonate with his straightforward approach. His recent push to raise awareness about Chinese farmland ownership marks another chapter in his post-NFL legacy as a vocal advocate for what he views as critical American values.
The Road Ahead
With Trump’s inauguration around the corner, Favre’s efforts to spotlight Chinese land ownership may gain momentum. As lawmakers continue to debate how to manage foreign agricultural investments, the former quarterback’s influence could sway public opinion on an issue that intertwines national security, economic sovereignty, and political accountability.
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