Bipartisan backlash growing on Trump’s beef comments

Reps. Brad Finstad and Michelle Fischbach, both Republicans who represent Minnesota rural districts, did not respond to requests for comment.

In Sleepy Eye, at least publicly, the criticism of a president largely beloved in Minnesota’s cattle country was more subdued.

As feeder cattle trotted into the barn, Gary Roiger held up his thumb to bid. His wife, Patricia, cradled their granddaughter, Stately, who was named after Stately Township in Brown County, where the family has 2,000 cattle.

The Roigers said they hope Trump’s plan will include labels on imports from Argentina.

“Let the consumers decide if they want to eat American beef,” Patricia Roiger said.

Eating beef has become increasingly expensive for Americans. Ground beef has risen from $5.54 a pound in January to $6.31 a pound in August, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.