President Donald J. Trump has issued an executive order addressing security risks linked to price fixing and anti-competitive behavior in the American food supply chain. The order cites concerns that foreign-controlled corporations engaging in such practices could threaten both the stability and affordability of food in the United States.
According to the executive order, recent years have seen some companies in the U.S. food supply chain settle civil suits over price fixing for tens of millions of dollars. Sectors such as meat processing, seed, fertilizer, and equipment are identified as vulnerable to similar anti-competitive activities.
The President stated: "An affordable and secure food supply is vital to America’s national and economic security. However, anti-competitive behavior, especially when carried out by foreign-controlled corporations, threatens the stability and affordability of America’s food supply."
To address these concerns, the order directs both the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to establish Food Supply Chain Security Task Forces within their respective agencies. These task forces will investigate whether anti-competitive conduct exists within U.S. food supply chains or if control by foreign entities is raising costs or creating national or economic security threats.
The order specifies: "The Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission shall each establish a Food Supply Chain Security Task Force within the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission, respectively, that will take all necessary and appropriate actions to investigate food-related industries within their established areas of expertise and determine whether anti-competitive behavior exists in food supply chains in the United States, as well as whether control of food-related industries by foreign entities is increasing the cost of food products in the United States or creating a national or economic security threat to Americans."
If criminal collusion is uncovered during investigations led by these task forces, criminal proceedings may be initiated by the Attorney General.
Additionally, both task forces are required to brief congressional leaders on their progress twice—once at 180 days after issuance of this order and again at 365 days—without sharing information about ongoing investigations or non-public industry details.
Other provisions clarify that nothing in this executive order changes existing legal authorities or creates enforceable rights against federal agencies.
President Trump signed this executive order at The White House on December 6, 2025.
