USDA chief: Trump wants more aid for farmers during China trade war

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said Friday that President Trump has asked the Department of Agriculture (USDA) for a plan to help farmers impacted by new tariffs in the trade war against China.

“While China may backtrack, @POTUS is steadfast in his support for U.S. farmers and directed @USDA to work on a plan quickly,” he tweeted, noting that he spoke with the president. 

“@POTUS loves his farmers and will not let them down!” he added.

In Japan for ag discussions with our 4th largest ag customer. Just spoke with @POTUS — while China may backtrack, @POTUS is steadfast in his support for U.S. farmers and directed @USDA to work on a plan quickly. @POTUS loves his farmers and will not let them down! https://t.co/B0le1WSwde

— Sec. Sonny Perdue (@SecretarySonny) May 10, 2019

Trump hiked tariffs on China Friday amid negotiations between the two countries. The move, though, has many GOP lawmakers worried about the impact of the long trade war.

Trump has defended the move, previously tweeting that he “got tired of waiting for China to help out and start buying from our FARMERS.”

Your all time favorite President got tired of waiting for China to help out and start buying from our FARMERS, the greatest anywhere in the World!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2019

The Hill has reached out to USDA for additional comment. {mosads}

Early Friday morning, tariffs went into effect on $200 billion in Chinese goods, raising rates from 10 percent to 25 percent on the products. 

China’s Commerce Ministry threatened to take “necessary countermeasures” on Thursday if the tariffs increased, according to The Associated Press.

Despite the increase, the White House said Thursday that it would continue negotiating on trade with China.