Trump’s Treasury Secretary Blames Migrants and Their Cattle for $10 a Pound Beef

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent surprised viewers on Fox News when he linked rising beef prices to migrants and a parasite called screwworm. He said migrants were bringing infected animals north and a disease called screwworm forced new restrictions on live imports.

Bessent said, “Because of the mass immigration, a disease that we’d been rid of in North America made its way up through South America as these migrants brought some of their cattle with them. We’re not gonna let that get into our supply chain.”

The United States has taken action on screwworm concerns in the past. Officials have relied on surveillance, import limits, and sterile fly programs to prevent the parasite from taking hold. Still, experts say there is no evidence of widespread cattle migration across the border.

Economists point to more grounded drivers for high beef prices. Drought, herd reductions, feed costs, and tariff policy all raise production expenses that eventually reach the grocery store. Many analysts say these factors explain the surge far better than the screwworm theory.

Farm groups warned against blaming migrants for market problems. They call it a convenient distraction and say policymakers should focus on supply chain fixes and aid for producers. For them, addressing capacity and feed costs will do more to stabilize prices than political explanations.

When pressed for evidence of cattle coming over with migrants, Bessent shifted to general warnings about supply chain protection. Critics called the explanation implausible and said it sounded more political than practical.

The reaction on X was immediate.

Some comments mocked the cattle claim directly. One post said, “They brought the cattle with them!!?? Is this the fucking Oregon Trail now!!??” Another added, “How many migrants bring their cows with them? These people are just fucking stupid.”

Screwworm concerns exist, but experts say there is no sign that migrants or their supposed cattle are pushing beef toward ten dollars a pound. Most of the pressure comes from weather, supply shifts, and trade decisions.

Featured image via X screengrab