White House Event Reveals Trump’s Frustration With Global Trade System

A White House agricultural policy event on Monday revealed President Trump’s deep frustration with the global trade system. The president expressed particular irritation about rice imports from countries he believes are exploiting lax enforcement to disadvantage American farmers.
Rice baron Meryl Kennedy, who heads Kennedy Rice Mills and 4 Sisters Rice, articulated the concerns of domestic producers during the event. Kennedy explained how international competitors with lower costs have created pricing pressures that threaten American rice farming viability.
Trump examined documentation identifying India, Thailand, and China as major sources of questionable rice imports. The president questioned why the current system permits such practices, asking his treasury secretary whether special arrangements protect certain countries from enforcement.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent attempted to provide context about complex trade relationships and ongoing negotiations. Trump cut short this explanation, insisting that systemic problems require immediate unilateral corrections rather than patient diplomatic solutions.
The president also criticized arrangements that allow Canadian fertilizer to compete with American production. Trump’s comments reflected broader dissatisfaction with trade systems he believes disadvantage domestic industries and require fundamental restructuring.