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President Donald Trump on Saturday signed an executive order establishing two federal task forces to investigate price-fixing, foreign influence and potential monopolistic practices that he says are driving up grocery costs for American consumers.
The task forces, housed within the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission, will have authority to bring enforcement actions and recommend new rules aimed at curbing anti-competitive behavior in the nation’s food supply chain.
“An affordable and secure food supply is vital to America’s national and economic security,” President Trump wrote in the order. “However, anti-competitive behavior, especially when carried out by foreign-controlled corporations, threatens the stability and affordability of America’s food supply.”
President Trump said recent legal settlements alleging price-fixing by major food suppliers reveal concerns about collusion within the industry.
“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,” he said.
Under the order, investigators must deliver an initial report to Congress within six months outlining findings and potential remedies, followed by a second report one year later.
The announcement comes as President Trump prepares to launch a national affordability tour next week in Pennsylvania, where he is expected to promote his economic record and rally support for Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
“Can confirm the president will be traveling to PA to discuss how he and the administration continue to focus on delivering on his Day One priority of ending [former President] Joe Biden’s inflation crisis,” a spokesperson reportedly told Newsmax.
Multiple media outlets reported that President Trump will appear in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, launching a nationwide tour aimed at countering criticism about the cost of living. A person familiar with the president’s schedule told Axios that an additional event may follow later this month, with more planned after New Year’s Day.
“Just about everything is down,” President Trump said Wednesday while announcing the rollback of Biden-era fuel efficiency standards. He called Democrats’ affordability messaging a “hoax,” blaming Biden’s policies for what he said was “the worst inflation in the history of our country.”
“We are getting those prices down. They are coming down rapidly,” he said. “You will see those results very soon.”