Farm Discontent Spills Over as Ag Secretary Is Confronted in Minnesota

  • Agriculture secretary hears criticism of Trump’s trade war
  • Farmers say they fear long-term damage that aid won’t repair

Sonny Perdue, U.S. secretary of agriculture, right, and President Donald Trump at an event in Iowa on June 11.

Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg
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Farmers’ discontent over President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war with China erupted into the open Wednesday as his agriculture secretary was confronted at a fair in rural Minnesota.

Gary Wertish, president of the Minnesota Farmers Union, drew applause as he leveled criticism of the administration’s trade policy at a forum with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue in front of thousands of farmers gathered in a metal barn for a panel discussion.