US President Donald Trump has assigned the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to closely examine the country’s food supply chain. He wants both agencies to find out if price fixing or other unfair business practices are making basic items such as meat, seeds and fertiliser more expensive for American families.
He issued this direction through an executive order on Saturday. The move reflects his administration’s latest attempt to respond to growing public anger over the rising cost of living. Many people have blamed these high expenses for the Republican Party’s poor performance in last month’s key elections.
Task force to study foreign influence and competition
In the executive order, Trump instructed the DOJ and the FTC to set up a special task force. This group will investigate whether foreign-controlled companies have too much power in food-related industries. It will also assess whether such control puts national security at risk.
Trump made his position clear in the order. He said, “My Administration will act to determine whether anti-competitive behavior, especially by foreign-controlled companies, increases the cost of living for Americans and address any associated national security threat to food supply chains,”
He wants the task force to examine how these companies operate and whether their actions are reducing competition and pushing up prices for consumers.
Past action against the meat industry
This is not the first time Trump has targeted the food sector. Last month, he ordered a separate probe into the meatpacking industry. At that time, he blamed “majority foreign owned” companies for rising beef prices in the US.
That earlier investigation focused on whether large meat producers were controlling supply and increasing prices without fair competition in the market.
Inflation data shows continued pressure on consumers
At the same time, new economic data highlighted how tough the situation remains for American households. Reports released on Friday showed that the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index—an important inflation measure used by the Federal Reserve—rose to 2.8 percent in September, up from 2.7 percent in August.
When food and energy prices are removed, the “core” inflation rate also stood at 2.8 percent in September. This was slightly lower than the 2.9 percent recorded in August, but it still showed that prices remain high.
The overall figures were close to what economists had expected. However, some categories recorded sharper increases and continued to strain household budgets.
Cost of durable goods continues to rise
Prices of durable goods, including cars, home appliances and furniture, increased by 1.4 percent over the past year. These are long-term items that families and businesses rely on, and the rise in their costs continues to add to financial pressure—especially as the festive season approaches.
Together, the rising prices and Trump’s new order show how serious the administration is about tackling inflation and restoring stability in essential markets.