DOJ probes major US beef packers
WSJ says antitrust division is conducting criminal inquiry
21 April 2026
1 minute read
By: The US Department of Justice's antitrust division is criminally investigating the conduct of large meatpackers, Reuters reported, citing the Wall Street Journal on Monday. WSJ cited people familiar with the matter.
Last year, President Donald Trump accused meatpacking companies of driving up US beef prices through manipulation and collusion and ordered the Justice Department to investigate.
The Justice Department disclosed an investigation of beef companies after Trump's call for intervention. Officials, however, have not revealed that it is a criminal probe, WSJ reported.
The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Tyson Foods, Cargill, JBS USA and National Beef Packing Company slaughter about 85% of US grain-fattened cattle that become steaks, beef roasts and other cuts of meat in supermarkets.
