A group of 14 Democratic senators, led by Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, have called on President Trump to immediately cancel plans for a $20 billion bailout to Argentina, citing concerns that the South American nation's recent agricultural policy changes are harming American farmers.
The senators expressed "deep concern" that the administration is proceeding with the taxpayer-funded bailout shortly after Argentina suspended export taxes on soybeans and other agricultural commodities, a move they say effectively sidelines U.S. farmers in international markets.
"American soybean farmers – who are already reeling from your sweeping tariffs – deserve better," the senators wrote in their letter to the president.
The letter points out that Argentina's President Javier Milei, described as "one of your close personal friends and ideological allies," faces a crucial midterm election on October 26. The senators questioned the timing of the bailout announcement, which came on September 22.
According to the letter, Argentina's policy change has already had immediate consequences for American agricultural producers. Chinese buyers have reportedly purchased up to 40 cargoes of soybeans from Argentina in just one week following the tax suspension.
The senators, including Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, argued that American farmers want "fair trade and steady markets, not tariff uncertainty and short-term aid payments."
"Rather than reversing course on tariffs or abandoning your plans to bail out Argentina, you are reportedly planning to provide American farmers with an aid package, nominally paid for with tariff revenues," they wrote.
The letter urged the prioritization of "lowering costs for American families and strengthening the nation's agricultural competitiveness" instead of "subsidizing a foreign country."
