Trump admin to ban Chinese purchases of US farmland

The Trump administration on Tuesday announced its plan to block Chinese and foreign purchases of U.S. farmland over national security concerns.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins detailed a seven-point “National Farm Security Action Plan” that would strengthen public disclosures of foreign ownership, raise penalties for false filings and partner with Congress and states to block purchases from Chinese nationals and other foreign adversaries. The plan builds on work Rollins pursued before joining the Cabinet, when she headed the America First Policy Institute and partnered with states on legislation restricting Chinese land purchases.

The administration is exploring ways to “claw back” existing foreign purchases, with Rollins saying they are examining available options and that a White House executive order will likely come “very soon.” So far, the USDA has ended seven active agreements with foreign countries of concern and dropped roughly 70 people and 550 entities from its contracts and research partnerships.

“American agriculture is under threat from criminals, from political adversaries and from hostile regimes that understand our way of life as a profound and existential threat to themselves,” Rollins told reporters on Tuesday. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that “no longer can foreign adversaries assume we’re not watching.”

Fines for violations would climb to 25% of the invested land’s value. “China, here’s your ticket. Do not pass go. Get the hell off American agriculture,” Sen. Roger Marshall said.

China has criticized the planned ban, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning describing it on Wednesday as “a typical act of discrimination.”

The issue comes despite Chinese ownership representing less than 1% of total U.S. farmland — 277,336 acres (112,234 hectares) — according to recent USDA data. The push has sparked concerns among Asian American advocacy groups, with the Committee of 100 warning such legislation could “legitimize harmful and xenophobic claims” and escalate anti-Asian violence.