Commissioner Miller Praises President Trump and Attorney General Paxton for Launch of Investigation into Meatpacking Industry
AUSTIN, Texas — May 17, 2026 – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller on Friday applauded Ken Paxton and the U.S. Department of Justice under President Donald Trump for launching a sweeping antitrust investigation into the nation’s largest meatpacking companies, citing long-standing concerns over market concentration and pricing practices in the beef industry.
The investigation will examine allegations of price fixing, market manipulation, and anticompetitive behavior among the dominant meatpackers, which collectively process the vast majority of America’s beef supply. Industry critics have argued that consolidation has reduced competition, squeezed ranchers, and contributed to higher prices at grocery stores.
Miller described the move as a “tremendous step” toward restoring fairness and transparency in the marketplace, particularly for Texas cattle producers.
“When four companies control more than 85 percent of the beef processing market, that’s not a free market — that’s a stranglehold on America’s food supply,” Miller said in a statement. “For too long, Texas ranchers have been at the mercy of a system that drives down what they’re paid while consumers pay more at the checkout line.”
The commissioner also raised concerns about foreign influence within the industry, noting that some of the largest meatpackers have ties to international ownership. He argued that such dynamics could put American producers at a disadvantage and pose risks to the domestic food supply chain.
“What makes it even worse is that some of these major players are linked to foreign ownership,” Miller said. “Texas ranchers should not be forced to compete in a system where foreign-controlled corporations hold that much power over pricing and supply.”
The Department of Justice has not yet released full details of the investigation but indicated it will focus on whether current market practices violate federal antitrust laws. The probe comes amid increasing political pressure to address consolidation in agriculture and rising food costs nationwide.
Supporters of the investigation say it could lead to stronger enforcement actions, structural reforms, or new regulations aimed at boosting competition. Critics, however, caution that disrupting large-scale processors could have unintended consequences for supply chains and pricing stability.
Miller framed the action as part of a broader push to prioritize American agriculture.
“President Trump and Attorney General Paxton are sending a clear message,” he said. “The days of price fixing, market manipulation, and foreign-controlled dominance over American beef are coming to an end.”
The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for ranchers, processors, and consumers alike, particularly in states like Texas, which leads the nation in cattle production.
