President Donald Trump signed an executive order Saturday establishing two federal task forces to examine anti-competitive behavior and foreign influence within the U.S. food supply.
The initiative aims to address rising grocery costs and safeguard American households from monopolistic practices that drive up prices.
The Food Supply Chain Security Task Force will operate under the Department of Justice, while a parallel task force will report to the Federal Trade Commission.
Both are charged with reviewing food-related industries, identifying potential price-fixing or anti-competitive practices and recommending enforcement actions or regulatory changes to restore competition.
Attorney General Pam Bondi and FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson will oversee the efforts, according to The Washington Examiner.
Trump emphasized the link between food affordability and national security.
“An affordable and secure food supply is vital to America’s national and economic security,” he wrote. “Anti-competitive behavior, particularly by foreign-controlled companies, threatens stability and drives up costs for American families.”
The executive order cites prior settlements in lawsuits alleging price-fixing, totaling tens of millions of dollars.
The task forces are required to report their findings to Congress twice in the first year: once after six months and again after twelve months.
The reports will summarize findings, outline enforcement actions taken and propose legislative or regulatory measures to prevent practices that could inflate costs or compromise food security.
Trump noted that foreign-controlled corporations will be scrutinized for their potential role in raising prices.
“My Administration will act to determine whether anti-competitive behavior, especially by foreign-controlled corporations, increases the cost of living and threatens the security of the U.S. food supply,” he said.
The executive order continues a longstanding focus on food affordability.
Prior Trump administration actions included reversing restrictive rules on egg and poultry production, which contributed to a 67 percent reduction in egg prices from previous highs by May.
Federal agencies also streamlined inspections and regulatory approvals to reduce costs for producers, helping limit price increases for consumers, according to Just the News.
Food costs have climbed sharply in recent years, intensifying household budget pressures.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the “food at home” index rose 2.7 percent over the 12 months ending in September.
From 2020 to 2024, the all-food price index increased 23.6 percent, surpassing overall inflation.
Rising grocery bills have placed significant financial pressure on middle- and lower-income families, with some households struggling to afford basic staples.
The executive order complements urban affordability initiatives, such as New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s plan for a city-run grocery store.
It also aligns with Trump’s upcoming national affordability tour in Pennsylvania, where he will highlight strategies to reduce living costs and engage Republican supporters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
By combining federal oversight, targeted investigations and mandatory reporting to Congress, the task forces aim to curb anti-competitive practices, stabilize prices and enhance transparency throughout the food supply chain.
Officials note that these measures could lead to enforcement actions or legislative proposals, ultimately strengthening market competition, protecting consumers nationwide, and ensuring long-term stability of the U.S. food supply.
