Food & Climate
Despite President Donald Trump’s campaign promise to lower food prices on his first day in office, the spike in US egg prices, which has become a topic of contention between Democrats and Republicans, reveals the extent to which Trump is able to deliver on that promise.
Several factors have contributed to the dramatic increase in US egg prices. One of the primary reasons is the ongoing outbreak of avian influenza, which has led to the culling of millions of chickens across the country. This has significantly reduced the supply of eggs, driving up prices. Additionally, lingering supply chain disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic and increased feed costs have further exacerbated the situation, according to a report seen by “Food & Climate” platform.
The high cost of eggs has not gone unnoticed by politicians. Democrats have been quick to blame former President Donald Trump for the current situation (first term), arguing that his administration’s policies failed to address the underlying issues affecting the poultry industry. They point to the lack of effective measures to control the spread of avian flu and the broader economic policies that have contributed to inflation.
On the other hand, Republicans have countered by blaming the previous Biden administration for the high prices, citing its handling of the pandemic and its economic policies. They argue that the inflationary pressures created during Biden’s tenure have had a lasting impact on food prices, including eggs.
The impact of US egg prices on consumers
For the average American consumer, the political blame game offers little solace. The reality is that egg prices have become a significant burden for many households. According to recent data, the average price of a dozen eggs has increased by nearly 37% from the previous year, reaching over $4 in some areas. This has led to increased grocery bills and forced some families to cut back on their egg consumption.
Some experts suggest that more robust measures to control avian flu outbreaks and improve supply chain resilience are essential. Additionally, policies aimed at stabilizing feed costs and supporting poultry farmers could help mitigate future price increases, according to “Avi News“.
In August 2024, then-candidate former President Donald Trump delivered a press conference surrounded by packaged foods, meats, produce, condiments, milk and eggs.
“When I win, I will immediately bring prices down, starting on Day One,” he said at the time.
But Day One has turned into Day 12, and those eggs are getting even more expensive.
In August 2024, then-candidate former President Donald Trump delivered a press conference surrounded by packaged foods, meats, produce, condiments, milk and eggs.
“When I win, I will immediately bring prices down, starting on Day One,” he said at the time.
Trump’s price-related promises
Despite a flurry of executive actions, Trump’s price-related promises have gone unfulfilled, Democratic lawmakers wrote in a letter addressed to the president.
“You have instead focused on mass deportations and pardoning January 6 attackers, including those who assaulted Capitol police officers,” according to the letter signed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren and 20 congressional Democrats. “Your sole action on costs was an executive order that contained only the barest mention of food prices, and not a single specific policy to reduce them.”
In fact, the lawmakers added, Trump appears to be “backtracking” on those promises, conceding in recent weeks that it’s “hard to bring things down.”
On Sunday, Vice President JD Vance made a similar comment to CBS’s Margaret Brennan when asked about grocery prices.
“Prices are going to come down, but it’s going to take a little bit of time,” he said, adding that the way to lower prices is “to encourage more capital investment into our country.”
US egg prices, for example, have been driven higher as a result of a deadly bird flu that has constricted supply; meat prices have been on the rise because of ongoing drought; coffee prices are expected to jump because of severe weather in South America.
Trump has argued that he can help bring down food prices by drilling for more oil domestically; however, the US already is producing more oil than any country in history.
“If you are indeed committed to lowering food prices, we stand ready to work with you,” according to the letter. “Last year, we put forward several recommendations for executive action to lower food prices by encouraging competition and fighting price-gouging at each level of the food supply chain.”
Inflation has slowed significantly since peaking in June 2022; however, it still hovers above the Fed’s target rate of 2%.