Trump Administration Promises US Farmers $15 Billion in Midterm Weeks
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Trump administration promises US farmers $15 billion in the weeks before the midterms
Posted - Nov. 2, 2026 at 8:54 a.m.
SR
Sarah Raza
Associated Press
President Donald Trump speaks and announces action to help farmers and ranchers, as a group of farmers and ranchers stand behind him, Sept. 4, in the Oval Office of the White House, in Washington. (Jacquelyn Martin, Associated Press)
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The Trump administration pledged $15 billion to U.S. farmers before midterms.
- Funds aim to offset rising diesel and fertilizer costs due to tariffs.
- Rural voters' reactions are mixed; some see payments as temporary solutions.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The Trump administration has made $15 billion worth of promises to agriculture producers in the last few weeks before the midterm elections, initiatives intended to help offset higher costs for diesel and fertilizer that farmers have endured largely due to his tariffs and the war in Iran.
Whether that will motivate more voters to turn out in agricultural states where traditionally Republican seats are now seen as competitive is unclear. It may explain his increased attention on rural areas, including visits Sunday to Iowa and Kansas, two days before the election.
A look at the Republican administration's pledges to farmers:
- Beyond the more than $15 billion worth of payments and initiatives announced, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans $13.8 billion in safety net program payments for eligible producers for the 2025 crop year.
- Over half of the $15 billion will go toward a $8 billion one-time payment plan for farmers buffeted by soaring diesel prices.
- At least $5 billion was announced in guaranteed loans for ranchers and fishermen.
- Additional funds are for conservation programs, fertilizer manufacturing projects, and expanding meat processors.
- Specialty crop producers will receive $86.6 million in grants for innovative projects.
- The agency also announced plans to purchase up to $472.5 million in agricultural commodities to support producers and give to charitable programs.