Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed he sold his soybean farm last week, fulfilling an ethics agreement upon taking office, while emphasizing that U.S. farmers still need federal support despite a trade deal with China.

Bessent highlighted that certainty for farmers depends on long-term purchase agreements, noting that the October deal with China has resumed soybean imports after months of halted purchases.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the government will provide a short-term “bridge” payment to support farmers as trade deals are finalized.

Bessent argued that Chinese actions during trade negotiations treated U.S. soybean farmers as pawns, making the temporary aid necessary to finance next year’s planting, Axios has reported.

He also downplayed inflation concerns, claiming real incomes are rising and tariffs are not driving affordability issues, though details of the farm aid remain unclear.