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Pelosi Slams Trump Over 10% Jump In Thanksgiving Dinner Costs As Both Parties Battle Over Holiday Price Narrative

MarketDash Editorial Team
12 days ago
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accuses Trump and Republicans of driving up Thanksgiving costs by 10%, contrasting his luxury spending with struggling families. Democratic lawmakers blame tariffs and policies for record grocery prices, while GOP officials credit Trump for lower costs and cite declining turkey prices.

The political food fight over Thanksgiving dinner prices just got hotter. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi went after President Donald Trump and Republicans on Tuesday, arguing their policies have made holiday meals costlier while everyday families scramble to afford the basics.

Pelosi Points to Rising Costs Under GOP Leadership

Pelosi didn't mince words in her post on X. "Donald Trump and Republicans promised to lower costs. Instead, their reckless agenda made Thanksgiving dinner 10% more expensive than last year," she wrote. The California Democrat then drew a sharp contrast between Trump's personal spending and the financial pressure facing working Americans. "It's shameful that Trump is building his fancy ballroom while working families struggle to afford a basic meal during the holidays."

Democrats Pile On With Tariff Blame

Pelosi wasn't alone in calling out the administration. Democratic lawmakers launched a coordinated offensive ahead of the holiday, pinning elevated food prices squarely on Trump's tariff policies and economic choices. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer warned that grocery costs have hit "record highs," food banks are stretched thin, and Republican-backed cuts to SNAP benefits could strip food assistance from millions of Americans.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York said Americans are paying more because Trump "spent the year tariffing our food." Sen. Alex Padilla of California pointed to turkey prices climbing 36% and accused Trump—whom he called "the richest president in history"—of fighting in court to boot people off food stamps while families can barely afford their holiday spread. Rep. Adam Schiff, also from California, highlighted even steeper jumps: turkeys up 40%, sweet potatoes up 37%, and beef up 10%. He urged Trump to tackle the rising costs head-on.

Republicans Fire Back With Lower Price Claims

Trump administration officials painted a completely different picture, insisting economic conditions have actually improved under the president's watch. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent touted stronger home sales, falling gas prices, and anticipated drops in health care costs. He claimed Thanksgiving dinner would be the "lowest cost in four years," with turkey prices down 16% from previous levels.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy echoed the optimistic tone, noting declining gas and rental prices. He said Trump was ushering in a "golden age of transportation." Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt doubled down, saying the holiday would be more affordable across the board. She cited gas prices at 2021 levels, a 5% overall decline in Thanksgiving meal costs, and that 16% drop in turkey prices, while suggesting middle-class families could see bigger tax refunds next year.

So who's right about your turkey bill? Depends on which numbers you're looking at and when you're measuring from. But one thing's clear: both parties think Thanksgiving dinner prices are worth fighting over.

Back to News

Pelosi Slams Trump Over 10% Jump In Thanksgiving Dinner Costs As Both Parties Battle Over Holiday Price Narrative

MarketDash Editorial Team
12 days ago
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accuses Trump and Republicans of driving up Thanksgiving costs by 10%, contrasting his luxury spending with struggling families. Democratic lawmakers blame tariffs and policies for record grocery prices, while GOP officials credit Trump for lower costs and cite declining turkey prices.

The political food fight over Thanksgiving dinner prices just got hotter. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi went after President Donald Trump and Republicans on Tuesday, arguing their policies have made holiday meals costlier while everyday families scramble to afford the basics.

Pelosi Points to Rising Costs Under GOP Leadership

Pelosi didn't mince words in her post on X. "Donald Trump and Republicans promised to lower costs. Instead, their reckless agenda made Thanksgiving dinner 10% more expensive than last year," she wrote. The California Democrat then drew a sharp contrast between Trump's personal spending and the financial pressure facing working Americans. "It's shameful that Trump is building his fancy ballroom while working families struggle to afford a basic meal during the holidays."

Democrats Pile On With Tariff Blame

Pelosi wasn't alone in calling out the administration. Democratic lawmakers launched a coordinated offensive ahead of the holiday, pinning elevated food prices squarely on Trump's tariff policies and economic choices. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer warned that grocery costs have hit "record highs," food banks are stretched thin, and Republican-backed cuts to SNAP benefits could strip food assistance from millions of Americans.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York said Americans are paying more because Trump "spent the year tariffing our food." Sen. Alex Padilla of California pointed to turkey prices climbing 36% and accused Trump—whom he called "the richest president in history"—of fighting in court to boot people off food stamps while families can barely afford their holiday spread. Rep. Adam Schiff, also from California, highlighted even steeper jumps: turkeys up 40%, sweet potatoes up 37%, and beef up 10%. He urged Trump to tackle the rising costs head-on.

Republicans Fire Back With Lower Price Claims

Trump administration officials painted a completely different picture, insisting economic conditions have actually improved under the president's watch. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent touted stronger home sales, falling gas prices, and anticipated drops in health care costs. He claimed Thanksgiving dinner would be the "lowest cost in four years," with turkey prices down 16% from previous levels.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy echoed the optimistic tone, noting declining gas and rental prices. He said Trump was ushering in a "golden age of transportation." Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt doubled down, saying the holiday would be more affordable across the board. She cited gas prices at 2021 levels, a 5% overall decline in Thanksgiving meal costs, and that 16% drop in turkey prices, while suggesting middle-class families could see bigger tax refunds next year.

So who's right about your turkey bill? Depends on which numbers you're looking at and when you're measuring from. But one thing's clear: both parties think Thanksgiving dinner prices are worth fighting over.