They Said He Couldn’t Do It, But Trump’s Trade Policy Is Hitting All the Right Spots!

For generations, trade has been the lifeblood of America’s economy, fueling growth and making the country a global powerhouse. But outdated policies have left U.S. farmers and manufacturers struggling to compete. For too long, foreign markets have played by their own rules, taking advantage of weak trade deals and undercutting American producers. It’s time for a change, and former President Donald Trump’s trade policy is the solution.

Jim Pillen, the governor of Nebraska and a lifelong farmer, isn’t a politician pushing an agenda—he’s someone who understands the stakes firsthand. “The hardcore reality is that many countries have beaten us on trade, installing hurdles and manipulating prices to hurt U.S. agriculture and industry for years and years. It must stop,” he says. With Trump’s leadership, that change is happening.

Trump campaigned on an “America First” trade policy, vowing to defend farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers from unfair foreign competition. True to his word, he followed through. “Promises made, promises kept,” Pillen affirms. America’s agricultural industry is the backbone of the global food supply, yet outdated trade deals have long left U.S. producers at a disadvantage. A stronger approach to trade means ensuring American families and businesses thrive in the international market.

In theory, trade should be about mutual economic benefit, but that’s not the reality U.S. farmers face. The global marketplace isn’t a level playing field, especially with economic giants like China manipulating the system. “We aren’t playing in a ‘free trade’ space anymore,” Pillen explains. “Certainly not with foreign adversaries and trade manipulators such as China on the scene.”

Nebraska’s economy relies heavily on agriculture. Corn and cattle dominate, but Pillen’s family business revolves around pork. The U.S. pork industry is world-class, producing high-quality, affordable meat. Yet, with a domestic surplus, nearly a third of fresh and frozen pork must be exported. Without strong international markets, prices plummet, and producers face financial ruin.

Rather than clinging to ineffective trade policies, Pillen and many other producers believe in a middle ground—one that acknowledges the complexities of global trade while standing up for American agriculture. “Targeted tariffs must be a tool the president and his administration use,” he argues. Tariffs aren’t just economic weapons; they’re negotiation tools that force foreign players to play fair.

China is a prime example of why tougher trade policies are necessary. It’s Nebraska’s largest international customer, importing over $2.2 billion worth of agricultural products, including soybeans, corn, and beef. That trade is essential to the state’s economy. But for years, China has imposed restrictive barriers and manipulated markets, costing American farmers billions. “The Chinese Communist Party isn’t the only offender, but it’s certainly the most egregious,” Pillen points out.

The global trade system is already in flux. Ignoring the problem won’t fix it. The only way forward is to hold bad actors accountable and enforce fair policies. “Nebraska will partner with Trump, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, and their trade team to help the U.S. overcome decades of being duped by unfair trade policy and multinational special interests,” Pillen says. He’s urging other governors to do the same.

American farmers don’t want handouts—they want fairness. They work hard to produce the best food in the world, but they can’t compete if foreign markets keep stacking the deck against them. “We all want to help mothers and fathers lower their grocery bills and do our part to feed the world,” Pillen says. But without fair trade, even the most competitive agricultural producers can’t succeed.

From Nebraska’s cornfields to Florida’s citrus groves to the berry farms of the Northwest, American agriculture is unmatched in quality and scale. The U.S. has the land, water, and workforce to feed the world. What’s missing is a level playing field. “We aren’t victims, but U.S. farmers and ranchers need a boost,” Pillen asserts. “Agriculture across this country deserves free and fair trade because if we get it, we know the U.S. is going to win big. I’ll bet the farm on it.”

Trump’s trade policies aim to deliver that fairness. By holding foreign competitors accountable, strengthening American markets, and ensuring farmers have the tools to compete, the U.S. can reclaim its place as the leader in global agriculture. It’s not just about politics—it’s about survival for the American farmer.