WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Dec. 6 th directing the nation’s top antitrust authorities to conduct sweeping investigations into potential anti-competitive behavior and foreign corporate influence across the U.S. food supply chain. The Administration frames the action as essential to protecting both national security and the affordability of food for American households.

“An affordable and secure food supply is vital to America’s national and economic security,” the order states, noting that several companies involved in the food system have, in recent years, settled civil price-fixing cases for tens of millions of dollars.

The order warns that concentrated market power, especially when controlled by foreign entities, may be contributing to higher prices and reduced stability in food production and distribution.

It establishes two new investigative units: a Food Supply Chain Security Task Force housed at the Department of Justice (DOJ) and a parallel task force at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Each agency is directed to “take all necessary and appropriate actions” within its authority to determine whether anti-competitive conduct exists in food-related industries and whether foreign-controlled firms are influencing prices or posing national or economic security risks.

If DOJ investigators uncover evidence of criminal collusion, the Attorney General must initiate criminal proceedings, including convening a grand jury. The FTC is instructed to pursue civil enforcement or regulatory actions as warranted by its findings.

While the order does not cite specific companies or countries, it highlights concerns about foreign-controlled corporations operating in the United States and their potential influence over food prices, supply reliability, and market access. The Administration points to vulnerabilities in multiple segments of the food system — including processing, inputs, and equipment — where consolidation has reduced the number of competing firms.

According to the order, investigators must assess whether foreign ownership structures are adversely affecting the affordability of food for American consumers and stability for farmers.

The DOJ and FTC must jointly brief congressional leaders within 180 days of the order and again within 365 days, providing summaries of their progress and, if appropriate, recommending legislative actions. These briefings may not include non-public information or details related to ongoing investigations, litigation, or enforcement efforts.

The order states that it does not alter any existing statutory authority of federal agencies, nor does it create new legal rights for private parties. Implementation must remain consistent with applicable law and available funding.

By directing the DOJ and FTC to undertake coordinated investigations into market conduct and ownership within the food supply chain, the executive order elevates competition policy to a national-security priority.