Baldwin Says Trump’s Bailout is No Fix to His Trade War’s Damage to Wisconsin Farmers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement after President Trump announced a $12 billion bailout to farmers who have been hurt by his own trade war:

“Wisconsin farmers put in more time and heart into their craft than just about anyone I know – and all they want is a fair shot to succeed,” said Senator Baldwin. “Trump knows that his trade war is crushing our farmers, and this chaos and hardship is a totally self-inflicted wound. Sadly, this package won’t even be enough to make our farmers and producers whole. We’ve spent years rebuilding relationships after Trump’s first trade war and fighting for American farmers to be able to sell their products across the world. Those markets are now gone, and this one-time check is not going to cover the years of lost business for farmers. If the President wants to get serious about helping our agriculture sector, he needs to start by ending this reckless trade war.”

Reporting has shown that the Trump administration’s tariffs have made it difficult for Wisconsin dairy farmers to export milk products and for beef producers and soybean farmers to access Chinese markets. Trump’s trade war had led to China boycotting American soybeans, causing soybean prices to drop significantly and leaving farmers without places to sell their products. While China has since committed to purchasing American soybeans Wisconsin farmers are still waiting for them to fulfill their agreement to purchase American soybeans at the promised levels.

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