White House To Announce $12 Billion Farmer Bailout Package

The Trump administration is planning to roll out a $12 billion aid package on Monday for farmers hurt by President Donald Trump’s tariffs and other economic challenges, according to a White House official and four other people familiar with the plans.

The president, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins will be on hand for the announcement along with lawmakers and agriculture industry representatives at a roundtable discussion with farmers, the White House official said.

Administration officials prepared to draw the $12 billion in bailout funds from USDA’s emergency fund months ago, even though Trump had pledged to tap tariff revenue for farmers. Lawmakers and agriculture officials expect the announcement to be just the first of more aid coming in 2026.

Farmers are expected to start receiving the funds in February at the earliest, according to two people with direct knowledge of the plans.

The announcement comes after months of promises from Trump and other administration officials to provide relief for farmers reeling from the effects of the president’s trade wars and rising production costs. Farmers and agriculture industry groups were increasingly concerned that the money wouldn’t come in time to help them make crucial decisions ahead of next year’s planting season.

Up to $11 billion of the package will be allocated to producers of major row crops like corn, soybeans, wheat, rice and cotton, the White House official said. The remaining money will be reserved for growers of fruits, vegetables and other so-called specialty crops — after last-minute lobbying from agriculture groups and lawmakers asking for a carveout.

“Today’s announcement reflects the President’s commitment to helping our farmers, who will have the support they need to bridge the gap between Biden’s failures and the President’s successful policies taking effect,” White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement.

Officials have also touted recent agreements with China and other major importers as softening the impact, though agriculture groups have expressed concern that China in particular is slow-walking promised purchases of soybeans.

Meredith Lee Hill contributed to this report.