Rebecca Carlson planned to use a USDA grant to hire overseas workers for her cherry harvest. A funding freeze has left her in debt and unsure whether she can hire the workers.

Summary

Michigan farmer Rebecca Carlson, a longtime Trump supporter, faces bankruptcy as Trump’s funding freezes stall a $400,000 USDA grant for hiring temporary workers.

Carlson, who hoped Trump’s second term would revive her struggling cherry farm, already spent $200,000 preparing for labor under the H-2A visa program.

With funding halted, she risks losing $200,000 more and can’t move forward with critical hires.

Trump’s new tariffs and immigration crackdowns threaten agriculture costs and labor availability, leaving farmers uncertain and frustrated with unmet promises.

  • WrenM
    7·
    6 days ago

    Yeah. These people don’t even deserve to have their story told. They should just vanish in silence.

    • Treczoks
      11·
      6 days ago

      No, let them tell their story as a warning for future generations. No one is useless, they can always serve as a bad example.

      • can@sh.itjust.works
        4·
        6 days ago

        Exactly! These stories need to be heard, especially by those who can still stand to learn from it.