Trump Announces $12 Billion in One-Time Payments for U.S. Farmers During Washington Roundtable

President Donald Trump announced that his administration will direct $12 billion in one time payments to American farmers, aiming to offset economic losses caused by what he described as “unfair market disruptions” in global trade. The announcement came during a high-level roundtable at the White House on Monday, where Trump defended his trade policies and emphasized the role of tariff revenues in supporting the agricultural sector.

According to the president, the relief package will be financed through tariff income, which he argued proves that his trade strategy often criticized for reducing U.S. exports and pressuring farmers’ profit margins is “working for America’s producers.” Trump said he has also asked Chinese President Xi Jinping to increase China’s purchase and investment in U.S. soybeans, a market that has faced volatility over the past several years.

Background: Farmer Support a Continuation of Ongoing Policy Scrutiny

The agricultural sector has been at the center of policy debate since the Biden administration, whose farm and climate policies faced significant scrutiny over regulatory burdens, declining export volumes, and concerns from Midwestern growers about competitiveness. Trump positioned the new payment program as a correction to what he called a “failed and costly” approach under President Biden.

Farm support packages were a hallmark of Trump’s first term as well, particularly during the U.S.–China trade war, when the administration released nearly $28 billion in aid to farmers impacted by retaliatory tariffs.

Aiming to Bolster Confidence in American Agriculture

With many farmers still recovering from supply chain disruptions and fluctuating commodity prices, agricultural groups have cautiously welcomed the announcement, although some have raised questions about the long-term sustainability of tariff-funded aid. Critics argue that while emergency relief helps stabilize incomes, broader structural reforms and market expansion are needed to restore global competitiveness.

The administration says further policy details, including eligibility and payment timelines, will be released in the coming days.