Rebecca Carlson planned to use a USDA grant to hire overseas workers for her cherry harvest. A funding freeze has left her in debt and unsure whether she can hire the workers.

Summary

Michigan farmer Rebecca Carlson, a longtime Trump supporter, faces bankruptcy as Trump’s funding freezes stall a $400,000 USDA grant for hiring temporary workers.

Carlson, who hoped Trump’s second term would revive her struggling cherry farm, already spent $200,000 preparing for labor under the H-2A visa program.

With funding halted, she risks losing $200,000 more and can’t move forward with critical hires.

Trump’s new tariffs and immigration crackdowns threaten agriculture costs and labor availability, leaving farmers uncertain and frustrated with unmet promises.

  • Rentlar
    21·
    6 days ago

    “I was expecting to see a drastic turnaround for the better for my farm because the Republicans have always been for the American farmer,” said Carlson, a longtime Republican and Trump supporter.

    If there’s anything good that could come out of the entire Trump situation, it would be finally breaking the illusion and myth that Republicans are good for the economy and Republicans are good for farmers. It’s apparent they will try to keep their head in the sand until they nearly suffocate though.

    • MountingSuspicion@reddthat.com
      10·
      6 days ago

      As you note, they’ve never been good for either the economy or farmers and that hasn’t stopped them yet. I fear very little will change.