Trump signs executive order directing study of alpha-gal allergy warning labels on food

Trump Executive Order Targets Red Meat Allergy, Risks Alienating GOP Allies

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday directing the secretaries of agriculture and health and human services to explore options for adding warning labels to foods containing "significant amounts" of alpha-galactose—a sugar molecule found in most mammals.

Alpha-galactose is linked to alpha-gal syndrome, an increasingly common and potentially life-threatening food allergy to red meat that develops from tick bites.

The administration framed the rule as a measure to combat tick-borne illnesses, but it could force meat processors to place allergy alerts on packages of ground beef, steaks, pork loins, lamb chops, and even dairy products.

While the policy may benefit public health, it risks angering farmers, herders, and ranchers—longtime GOP allies already frustrated with Trump.

Context: In August, the American Farm Bureau Federation criticized Trump's plan to allow farmers to slaughter and process their own meat without USDA inspection. Farmers also condemned Trump's tariff-free beef import plan, which has failed to lower consumer prices.

The U.S. cattle herd is shrinking amid high demand, while Trump's tariffs and military campaign in the Middle East have kept prices elevated. Midwestern farmers—once steadfast Trump supporters—report facing the toughest economic crisis in decades.

Observers note the policy aligns more with the "MAHA" (Make America Healthy Again) movement than "MAGA." Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has long advocated for warning labels on foods and has discussed alpha-gal without taking prior action.

Trump Dismisses Concerns That Iran War Could Hurt GOP in Midterms

At a White House press conference Thursday, President Trump shrugged off a reporter's question about whether the ongoing Iran war could threaten Republican prospects in November's midterm elections.

When asked about his daughter-in-law Lara Trump's warning that the war "may threaten the midterms," Trump replied: "Well, it's possible, I don't know, it should help, because Iran will not have a nuclear weapon."

Key issues: The war has led to closures of the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, causing skyrocketing fuel prices and global economic damage. Inflation has risen, increasing costs for fertilizers, helium, ethanol, and other commodities. These costs are passed to American consumers, contributing to record-low polling for Trump and Republicans.

The war continues to cost U.S. taxpayers billions of dollars. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans have refused to end the conflict through legislation, and Trump has alternated between claiming peace talks are progressing and issuing apocalyptic threats against Iran.

Wisconsin Governor Race: Republican Tom Tiffany Raises $26 Million, Mostly from Three Billionaires

Republican Representative Tom Tiffany has raised over $26 million in his bid for Wisconsin governor, with 92% of funds raised since late June coming from just three billionaires.

Key donors:

• Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein (Uline packaging and shipping company): $11 million each to the Wisconsin Republican Party
• Diane Hendricks (ABC Supply Co. Inc. co-founder): A sizable additional contribution

The Republican Party of Wisconsin funneled more than $24 million into Tiffany's campaign between August 13 and September 19.

Comparison: Tiffany's Democratic opponent, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, raised $10 million in the same period.

Despite the cash advantage, a Marquette Law poll published Wednesday shows Crowley leading among likely voters (49% to 46%), with 5% undecided.

This marks the first time since Wisconsin revised its campaign finance rules that a candidate has been propelled by such a small number of donors.

Trump to Host "Most Exclusive Dinner in the World" for Top Cryptocurrency Buyers

President Trump will host a dinner at Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia, on November 22 for the largest holders of his $TRUMP meme coin.

Event details:

• The top 185 holders receive invitations to "an evening with 3 Legends and President Donald J. Trump"
• The top 29 buyers get a "VIP Reception with YOUR FAVORITE PRESIDENT"
• The top four receive an 18-karat Trump-branded gold watch

The event appears designed to boost sales of the $TRUMP coin and generate profit for the president. The competition to become the largest purchaser began Wednesday.

Previous events: Trump held similar dinners in May 2025 at the same Virginia golf club and in April 2026 at Mar-a-Lago. At the May 2025 dinner, guests reportedly spent $148 million for access to the president, with the full guest list kept private as Trump attended "off the clock."

Known past attendees include former NBA player Lamar Odom, Chinese billionaire Justin Sun (now suing Trump), and Vincent Liu of Kronos Research.

Financial impact: Trump made $2.2 billion last year, mostly from cryptocurrency ventures. However, watchdog group Public Citizen reports that Trump's crypto products have lost an estimated $4.7 billion for investors. The president's largest meme coin account holds approximately $104 million.

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