Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) sharply criticized members of his own party for staying silent as China turns away from U.S. soybean exports and buys more from South America, particularly Argentina and Brazil. In a wide-ranging conversation on Politico’s The Conversation, he said many Republican lawmakers have abandoned long-held positions like free trade just to avoid clashing with President Donald Trump.
“There were many Republicans with me,” Paul said of previous efforts to rein in executive power over trade, “but they’ve changed positions because there’s a Republican president. They’re no longer worried about emergencies that they were worried about under Biden.”
According to Paul, many in Congress agree with him privately but are too afraid to speak out. “They’re afraid that he [Trump] will do to them what he’s trying to do to me,” he said. “That’s too bad because it’d be a little easier on me if I weren’t the only target. If there were other people willing to stand up and oppose bad policy.”
China Buys from South America, U.S. Farmers Lose Out
Paul’s comments come as U.S. soybean farmers face serious setbacks. China has shifted purchases away from American producers following trade tensions and is increasingly relying on Brazil and Argentina. In fact, China bought about 7 million tonnes of soybeans from Argentina alone after President Javier Milei temporarily lifted export tariffs.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has promised that China will resume “substantial purchases” of U.S. soybeans, possibly as part of a trade deal to be announced Oct. 30 during a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. But for now, American farmers are missing out on billions in trade.
Reuters reports that while the U.S. exported $12.6 billion in soybeans to China last year, those numbers are down sharply. At the same time, China has been investing heavily in Brazil’s agricultural sector, including $2.3 billion in infrastructure and $18 billion in fertilizer exports. A proposed cross-continental railway could make Latin American soy even more competitive.
To Paul, the situation is part of a bigger trend where lawmakers ignore free market principles to stay aligned with Trump. He said farm-state Republicans used to support free trade but now remain quiet, even as their own constituents suffer.
“There are probably eight farm states, maybe there are 10 farm states,” Paul said. “That means there’s 20 senators who have always believed in free trade and they’re all grumbling and they’re all like, ‘China is not buying any of our soybeans this year.’ … But they don’t have the guts because it’s their president and frankly, they’re afraid.”
Farmers Feel Betrayed Over Argentina Bailout
The backlash intensified after Trump approved a $20 billion aid package to stabilize Argentina’s currency amid that country’s economic crisis. U.S. soybean growers quickly voiced their frustration, saying the bailout felt like a reward to a country that was undercutting them.
“The frustration is overwhelming,” said American Soybean Association president Caleb Ragland in late September.
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), echoed the anger on X: “Why would USA help bail out Argentina while they take American soybean producers’ biggest market???”
In response, Trump defended the bailout by calling Argentina “an ally in crisis.” He dismissed a reporter’s question, saying, “Argentina is fighting for its life. Young lady, you don’t know anything about it. … They have no money. They have no anything.”
The $20 billion bailout, officially signed Oct. 20, is a currency swap between central banks. Bessent described it as essential to support Argentine President Milei’s efforts to overhaul government spending. Still, U.S. farmers struggling with the fallout from China tariffs are questioning the timing.
Economist Chad Hart of Iowa State University noted that Trump’s trade war has only amplified existing competition. China turned to Argentina and Brazil after U.S. tariffs went into effect. Oklahoma State’s Todd Hubbs added that South America’s crop is large enough to meet China’s short-term needs.
Aid to Farmers Stalled, Health Subsidies Caught in Crossfire
Trump has pledged support to U.S. farmers impacted by his trade policies, but aid has been delayed due to the government shutdown. Meanwhile, Democrats are using the Argentina bailout to highlight stalled healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.
Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), pointed out that the $20 billion bailout could have instead covered ACA tax credits for a year.
Some in the administration have floated another $20 billion in Argentina aid, this time from the private sector, but nothing has been confirmed.
Paul: ‘Farmageddon’ Could Be Coming
Paul warned that the economic pressure on farmers could escalate dramatically.
“I think you’ve got a farmageddon on our doorstep,” he said. “All your product just sitting in the fields and nobody buying it. Looks like the bank coming for your farm. You remember Willie Nelson and Farm Aid? That’s what it looks like.”
He also criticized the idea that inflation has been tamed, arguing that families are still feeling the squeeze.
“People say, ‘Biden’s inflation has come down.’ Sure, but you still lost 20% of your paycheck under Biden, and now you’re losing 2% a year instead of 4% a year. But you’re still losing your paycheck,” he said.
Not Afraid to Push Back
Despite tensions with Trump, Paul said he still supports the president over Biden or Harris. But he won’t abandon his core beliefs.
“That doesn’t mean I’m going to sit back and just say, ‘Oh, I’m leaving all my beliefs on the doorstep.’ I’m no longer going to be for free trade? I’m no longer going to be for balanced budgets? I’m no longer going to be opposed to killing people without trials?” he said. “No, I have to remain who I am.”
Asked whether Republican politicians can survive without Trump’s approval, Paul said: “I think he’s pretty popular in his district and I think [Rep. Thomas Massie] will do just fine. I think within the state, I don’t see a problem really on the horizon for myself as well. People know where I am.”
Paul said people often tell him they don’t agree with everything he says, but they respect his consistency.
“People don’t see me as some sort of weathervane that’s flitting around depending on which direction the breeze comes from,” he said. “I have been a consistent strong voice for small limited constitutional government.”
For Paul, that means continuing to speak up, even if it means being the “skunk not invited to the party.”
“There has to be someone left,” he said. “What if there’s no one left who actually believes in balanced budgets?”
IMAGE CREDIT: “Rand Paul” by Gage Skidmore, via Flickr. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Image adjusted for layout.