(The Epoch Times)—The Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating major meatpacking companies following allegations of price manipulation in the beef industry, Attorney General Pam Bondi said, after President Donald Trump called for immediate action.
On Nov. 7, Trump said on his Truth Social that he directed the DOJ to probe meatpacking firms for “illicit collusion, price fixing, and price manipulation.” He accused foreign-owned companies of artificially inflating prices and harming American ranchers.
“Action must be taken immediately to protect Consumers, combat Illegal Monopolies, and ensure these Corporations are not criminally profiting at the expense of the American People,” Trump said in the post.
Bondi confirmed on X that the DOJ is conducting an investigation, saying the DOJ’s antitrust division, led by Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater, is working with the Department of Agriculture to examine industry practices.
In a separate post published on Friday, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins highlighted the need for “transparency, accountability, and a fair market” that rewards ranchers rather than large corporate middlemen.
“For far too long, hardworking ranching families have been squeezed by massive foreign-owned meatpacking corporations manipulating prices and driving family operations out of business,” Rollins said. “These global monopolies profit while everyday Americans pay more at the grocery store and rural communities struggle to survive.”
The inquiry comes amid record-high beef prices in the United States.
According to the Department of Agriculture, the national cattle herd has fallen to its smallest size in nearly 75 years. In July 2025, it reported that 94.2 million head of cattle were in the field—down from 113 million in 2000.
The Epoch Times previously reported that beef prices have risen faster than overall food inflation. The cost of ground beef averaged about $7 per pound in mid-October.
Several factors have contributed to the supply shortage, including droughts that have reduced pasture lands and feeding resources, prompting ranchers to reduce herd sizes.
The so-called “Big Four” meatpackers—Cargill, JBS, National Beef, and Tyson Foods—now control more than 80 percent of the American beef-processing market. Ranchers and industry groups have long alleged that this consolidation gives packers undue influence over prices.
Representatives of Cargill, JBS, National Beef, and Tyson Foods did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Epoch Times.
In a previous interview, Bill Bullard, CEO of the Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America, told The Epoch Times that foreign imports, which account for roughly 22 percent of beef sold domestically, also depress prices ranchers receive.
The organization noted past multimillion-dollar settlements by large packers, including an $83 million settlement by JBS in February 2025, over disputes related to anticompetitive behavior.
The investigation coincides with a broader federal initiative to rebuild the American cattle industry.
In October, Rollins and other administration officials announced measures to increase grazing access on federally managed lands, expand opportunities for smaller packers, enforce voluntary “Product of USA” labeling, and prioritize domestic beef for USDA’s child nutrition programs. The plan also emphasizes regulatory compliance and cooperation with the DOJ to ensure competitive markets.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.