What did Tyson Foods say about who can buy its shuttered beef plants, and how does that contradict USDA Secretary Rollins' claim?

Tyson Foods stated it would sell its recently shuttered beef plants to 'any buyer, foreign or domestic,' directly disputing USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins' claim that Tyson CEO Donnie King had given her a verbal commitment to sell the facilities only to 'American-owned company or producers.' A Tyson spokesperson affirmed, 'Our company's stance on selling the closed plants has not changed,' confirming the company’s position is open to all qualified buyers regardless of nationality.

Why is foreign ownership of U.S. beef processing facilities politically sensitive right now?

Foreign ownership is politically sensitive because the Trump administration has raised concerns about it amid record-high beef prices, tight cattle supplies, and growing voter frustration over food costs ahead of the November midterm elections; this tension is heightened by the fact that foreign-owned firms — such as JBS USA (Brazilian-owned) and National Beef Packing Company (controlled by Brazil’s Marfrig) — collectively handle a large share of U.S. slaughter capacity, while the administration simultaneously took contradictory steps like allowing 300,000 metric tons of foreign beef to enter at reduced tariffs.

Tyson Disputes Claim by USDA's Rollins, Says Shuttered Beef Plants Can Go to Any Buyer

Sep 1, 2026

Tyson Foods rejects USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins' assertion that its closed beef plants must sell only to American buyers, confirming sales to any bidder. The conflict underscores political tensions regarding foreign ownership and soaring beef prices ahead of elections.

reuters

2026-09-01

Tyson Disputes Claim by USDA's Rollins, Says Shuttered Beef Plants Can Go to Any Buyer

Tyson Disputes Claim by USDA's Rollins, Says Shuttered Beef Plants Can Go to Any Buyer

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