What did Joesley Batista ask President Trump to do during their August 20 meeting, according to the Wall Street Journal report?

According to the Wall Street Journal report, Brazilian billionaire and JBS co-owner Joesley Batista met with President Donald Trump on August 20 to discuss dropping a 26% import tax on Brazilian beef, arguing that additional beef supply from Brazil could help tame U.S. beef prices.

What action did President Trump announce the day after his meeting with Joesley Batista, as reported by the Wall Street Journal?

The day after his meeting with Joesley Batista, President Trump announced he would temporarily ease beef tariffs to help lower prices, stating that ground beef imports would sell 25% below current prices.

JBS co-owner lobbied Trump to lower beef import tariffs, WSJ reports

Aug 31, 2026

JBS co-owner Joesley Batista lobbied Trump to cut beef tariffs, prompting an agreement to ease taxes and lower ground beef prices by 25%. WSJ confirmed the meeting, though Reuters could not verify the report.

reuters

2026-08-31

JBS co-owner lobbied Trump to lower beef import tariffs, WSJ reports

JBS co-owner lobbied Trump to lower beef import tariffs, WSJ reports

FAQ