U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has confirmed that President Donald Trump will soon unveil details of new payments for American farmers impacted by low crop prices and trade disputes, marking the administration’s latest step to stabilize the agricultural economy. The package—expected to exceed $15 billion—was delayed due to the 43-day federal government shutdown but is now nearing release.
Iowa Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, speaking with Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo, welcomed the move and outlined several ongoing challenges confronting U.S. farmers. Hinson recently introduced the Fertilizer Research Act, aimed at bringing transparency to fertilizer pricing and easing input cost burdens on producers.
Farmers Struggling After Years of Policy Pressure
Hinson criticized what she described as “four years of America-last agriculture policy,” arguing that the Trump administration is now reversing that trend.
“Fertilizer prices have been super high, and input costs across the board have been painful,” she said. “President Trump is focused on fuel affordability heading into the Thanksgiving holiday, and that is a major benefit for every consumer. But we also need bridge payments so farmers can continue operating and feeding and fueling the world.”
She stressed the importance of expanding domestic demand for agricultural products, including support for E15 fuel blends, and emphasized the significance of trade enforcement. Hinson said that China has begun buying soybeans again following President Trump’s deal but insisted that “follow-through and verification” would determine whether Beijing honors its commitments.
Concerns Over China’s Tech Influence and Surveillance
The conversation then shifted to rising national security concerns linked to Chinese technology companies. Reports from the Financial Times allege that Alibaba may have supported the People’s Liberation Army in cyber operations targeting the U.S. Meanwhile, Axios reported that the White House advised lawmakers not to include AI chip export controls in the annual defense bill.
Hinson—who serves on the House Select Committee on China—said Beijing’s efforts to infiltrate American technology and communications systems pose a direct threat.
“I’m a mom of teenagers. I worry about what apps like TikTok, Alibaba, and Temu are doing on their phones,” she said. “We now know the CCP is infiltrating our homes through routers, Wi-Fi cameras, and baby monitors.”
She noted that bipartisan lawmakers have urged the Commerce Department to investigate TP-Link, whose devices have been detected on U.S. military bases. She warned that Chinese-made systems in American homes and businesses—including major alarm companies—could be exploited for surveillance.
“Every American deserves to feel safe in their home,” Hinson said. “It’s extremely concerning that the CCP could potentially watch intimate family moments through baby monitors or household cameras.”
Why the U.S. Depends on Chinese Surveillance Tech
Bartiromo highlighted that many American companies rely on Chinese-made components because the U.S. lacks its own advanced lens and sensor manufacturing capabilities. Hinson agreed, calling it the result of decades of offshoring.
“We ceded manufacturing to these countries,” she said. “Reinvigorating domestic production is vital. This is not just an economic issue—it’s a national security issue.”
Hinson said President Trump’s tax policy and support for domestic R&D are key steps toward rebuilding American capability in sensitive industries.
NDAA Concerns and Export Controls
When asked about reports that President Trump does not want AI chip export controls included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Hinson said she had not heard that directly. She pointed instead to the need for a strategic evaluation of what technologies could pose risks if exported.
“My focus is on identifying supply chain vulnerabilities and bringing production back to the United States,” she emphasized.
Government Funding: A Top Priority
Hinson, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, said her top priority is ensuring the federal government remains funded.
“We need to stay open so we can advance policy, complete trade discussions, and support the president,” she said.
She warned Democrats not to repeat past shutdown strategies, particularly over issues such as renewing Obamacare subsidies.
“We saw the damage a shutdown did to TSA, air traffic control, and SNAP recipients. I hope they learned their lesson,” she said.
Disclaimer
This news article is based on publicly available statements, interviews, and reports. It is created for informational and educational purposes only. The content reflects the discussion as presented in the source transcript and does not represent any official government position or endorsement. Readers are advised to refer to official releases for verified updates.
