Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Addresses Security Risks from Price Fixing and Anti-Competitive Behavior in the Food Supply Chain

12/6/2025

Fact Sheets

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Action Summary

Executive Order Initiative: President Trump signed an order targeting price fixing, anti-competitive behavior, and foreign influence in America’s food supply chain.
Task Force Establishment: Directs the Attorney General and the FTC Chairman to each create a Food Supply Chain Security Task Force to aggressively investigate these issues across the food sector.
Enforcement Measures: Task Forces are empowered to initiate enforcement actions, propose new rules, and, where criminal collusion is found, the Attorney General is to pursue criminal proceedings including grand jury investigations.
Congressional Consultations: Task Forces are scheduled to report progress and consult with Congress at six months and one year intervals, recommending any necessary legislative actions.
National Security and Economic Impact: The order addresses concerns that anti-competitive practices, including those involving foreign-controlled companies, may threaten food security and drive up costs for both farmers and consumers.
Broader Economic Context: Part of President Trump’s broader strategy to combat inflation, lower grocery prices, and bolster American economic strength through initiatives like the National Energy Emergency declaration, historic tax cuts, and targeted investigations in the meat packing industry.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order targets price fixing and anti-competitive practices in the food supply chain, which may indirectly impact Vanderbilt University’s operational costs, especially if these measures lead to changes in the pricing dynamics of food and other related sectors.
Increased scrutiny and regulation of sectors like meat processing and farm equipment could affect research collaborations with these industries, particularly if they are subject to legal proceedings or operational disruptions.
Foreign-controlled companies involved in the food supply chain could face increased regulatory challenges, potentially affecting international partnerships or funding opportunities involving these entities.
The focus on reversing inflation and altering economic policies might influence broader economic conditions, impacting student affordability and financial aid considerations at Vanderbilt.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Economic Research Department could see increased opportunities for studying the effects of anti-competitive practices and regulatory changes on market dynamics, offering potential for strategic research funding.
The Law School may find opportunities to engage in policy analysis and legal research related to antitrust laws and their implications for the food industry, providing a platform for both academic inquiry and public service.
Vanderbilt’s Center for International Business might need to reevaluate partnerships with foreign entities in the food supply chain due to increased regulatory scrutiny and national security concerns.

Financial Impact

The regulation of price fixing and anti-competitive behavior could stabilize or reduce operational costs for food-related expenditures at Vanderbilt, though the immediate impact might be minimal.
Any significant changes in the economic climate due to the Executive Order could alter funding landscapes and grant opportunities, necessitating strategic adjustments in research funding approaches.
The potential for increased legal and compliance costs in affected industries could indirectly impact financial relationships or partnerships Vanderbilt may hold with these entities.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order involves moderate risks, including compliance or ethical considerations that could affect the university’s relationships and operations.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management should explore the impact of enhanced regulatory scrutiny on the food supply chain, particularly focusing on price fixing and anti-competitive behavior. Developing case studies or research projects on these areas can provide students with real-world insights into market dynamics and regulatory frameworks.
The Vanderbilt Institute of Energy and Environment could assess the implications of the National Energy Emergency on energy-related research and innovation. By aligning projects with federal priorities, the institute can position itself to attract funding and contribute to national energy solutions.
Vanderbilt’s Political Science Department should analyze the political and economic implications of the executive order, focusing on the balance of power between federal agencies and foreign entities in the food sector. This analysis could support policy recommendations and public discourse on food security.
Peabody College might investigate the social impacts of changes in food pricing on low-income families and communities. This could lead to partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organizations aimed at improving access and affordability of food.
The Office of Federal Relations should closely monitor the progress and outcomes of the Food Supply Chain Security Task Force activities, identifying opportunities for Vanderbilt to engage in policy advocacy or collaborative research initiatives that align with the task force’s goals.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Law School to provide legal expertise on antitrust laws and enforcement actions. By organizing seminars or providing consulting services, the law school can play a significant role in shaping understanding and compliance strategies within the food sector.
Vanderbilt can leverage its research capabilities to contribute to innovations in the food supply chain aimed at enhancing competitiveness and reducing dependency on foreign-controlled entities. Collaborations with industry partners could lead to technological advancements and improved practices.
The focus on reducing grocery prices and improving food security aligns with Vanderbilt’s mission of community engagement and social responsibility. Initiatives aimed at community education and support in navigating changes in food markets could enhance Vanderbilt’s impact and reputation.
By hosting interdisciplinary conferences or forums on food security and anti-competitive practices, Vanderbilt can establish itself as a thought leader in these critical areas, attracting scholars, policymakers, and industry leaders to collaborate on solutions.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to align with new federal regulations and opportunities in the food supply and energy sectors.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.6

Timeline for Implementation

Consultation with Congress in 6 months from the date of the order.
Consultation with Congress in 1 year from the date of the order.

The analysis identified two specific deadlines, with the shortest being 6 months (approximately 180 days) from the order’s issuance.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of Justice – Attorney General: The Attorney General is directed to establish a Food Supply Chain Security Task Force to aggressively investigate and, if necessary, prosecute criminal collusion, price fixing, and anti-competitive practices in the food supply chain.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC, under the direction of its Chairman, is tasked with creating a parallel Task Force to examine anti-competitive behavior and enforce actions to restore competition in the food sector.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only a small number of Federal Agencies, specifically two, are directly impacted by the order.)

Responsible Officials

Attorney General – Tasked with establishing a Food Supply Chain Security Task Force and pursuing criminal investigations into price fixing and anti-competitive practices.
Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission – Directed to set up a parallel Food Supply Chain Security Task Force to investigate and enforce actions against anti-competitive behavior in the food sector.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect high-level officials including a Cabinet member and an agency head.)