Trump orders probe into food supply chain month after prices cost GOP key elections

US President Donald Trump has tasked the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) with examining the US food supply chain, directing both agencies to investigate whether price fixing or other anti-competitive behaviour is pushing up the cost of essentials such as meat, seeds and fertiliser. The move, delivered through an executive order on Saturday, marks the administration’s latest attempt to address mounting public frustration over living expenses—a pressure point widely blamed for GOP setbacks in last month’s key elections.

In an executive order published Saturday, he instructed both agencies to form a task force to examine whether foreign-controlled companies exert undue influence over food-related industries and whether such control poses a national security risk. “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,” Trump said.

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The move comes as the president responds to rising frustration over living costs, a concern that contributed to Democratic victories in several key elections in November. Last month, Trump ordered a separate investigation into the meatpacking sector, blaming “majority foreign owned” companies for driving up beef prices.

Inflation data highlights consumer strain as festive season approaches

US consumers remain under pressure as fresh data underscores persistent affordability concerns. Reports released Friday showed the personal consumption expenditures price index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, climbed to 2.8 percent in September from 2.7 percent in August. Excluding food and energy, prices also rose by 2.8 percent in September, slightly below the 2.9 percent recorded in August for the same measure.

The figures broadly matched expectations, though several categories showed sharp increases that continue to pressure consumers. Prices for durable goods—including cars, appliances, and furniture—climbed 1.4 percent over the past year.