One of Trump’s cruelest policies yet has received almost zero attention
Vox
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has proposed a controversial rule that would significantly increase slaughter line speeds at chicken, turkey, and pig processing plants, sparking concerns over worker safety, animal welfare, and food security. This move comes after years of efforts by the meat industry to streamline production, and critics argue it puts workers at even greater risk of injury while undermining food safety standards.
The new rules would allow poultry slaughterhouses to process up to 25% more birds per minute—reaching 175 chickens or 60 turkeys per minute—and remove all speed limits for pig slaughterhouses. This acceleration, combined with the elimination of annual worker safety reports, is seen as a major step backward for labor rights and food safety. Advocacy groups warn that faster lines will make it harder for workers to properly stun animals, leading to more botched slaughters and increased injury rates among already vulnerable employees.
The push to speed up slaughter lines dates back decades, with both Democratic and Republican administrations allowing the meat industry to gradually increase production speeds since 1997. While the Trump administration has aggressively pursued these changes, labor advocates point out that this latest proposal reflects a broader trend of prioritizing corporate interests over worker well-being. The USDA’s decision not to require additional staffing or slower line speeds for safety is particularly concerning, as studies show higher injury risks when workers are forced to process meat at faster rates.
Despite the risks, industry trade groups like the National Pork Producers Council have praised the USDA’s proposal, calling it a step toward “efficient” production. However, critics argue that this approach ignores the long-term costs of industrialized farming, including its impact on laborers and animal welfare. The proposal also follows other Trump-era actions, such as rolling back a Biden-era rule aimed at reducing salmonella in poultry and cutting slaughterhouse inspections.
This issue matters politically because it highlights the ongoing tension between food system reform and corporate influence. While the USDA claims to prioritize public health, its policies increasingly align with business
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Originally published on Vox on 2/25/2026