Might soaring egg prices impact Democrats' recovery from post-inauguration shell shock?
Democrats are linking Trump’s criticism of USAID to the rising egg prices that troubled them last year.
TroibNews 
Donald Trump frequently criticized Joe Biden for rising grocery costs throughout the previous year, but now Democrats are aiming to turn the tables on him.
Egg prices have remained notoriously high since Trump’s victory in November, primarily due to an Avian flu outbreak that significantly impacted supply, first emerging in 2022 and worsening as 2024 progressed. Recently, the popular southern breakfast chain Waffle House announced a 50-cent surcharge on all egg-inclusive menu items, a measure that will remain as long as the shortage continues.
Democrats are eager for this issue to strike a chord with voters as they navigate a tumultuous beginning to Trump’s second term. Several have pointed fingers at Trump for reducing funding for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), suggesting that weakening this foreign aid agency could exacerbate the situation.
“Bird flu outbreaks are driving up egg prices for families,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren wrote on X Monday. “Now, Elon Musk wants to shut down USAID, the agency responsible for monitoring outbreaks in dozens of foreign countries. With egg prices increasing grocery bills, why halt efforts to prevent a U.S. bird flu crisis?”
This marks a stark contrast from 2024, when Trump and his then-running mate, now-Vice President JD Vance, relentlessly attacked Democrats over inflation issues, particularly egg prices.
“Look at the prices here,” Vance remarked during a visit to a Pennsylvania grocery store in September. “Things are way too expensive, and they’re way too expensive because of Kamala Harris’ policies.”
However, the president has limited options to influence egg prices. Democrats see an opening to confront Trump over a subject he emphasized while in office.
Sen. Ruben Gallego shared a video on social media from an IHOP visit with his son on Sunday morning, noting their tradition of weekend pancake outings.
“IHOP: International House of Paying-more-for-eggs-because-Trump-is-doing-nothing-to-lower-costs-or-combat-bird-flu,” he captioned the video.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, egg prices are expected to rise by 20 percent in 2025. An executive order signed by Trump in January aimed to prioritize deregulation as part of his cost-reduction strategy. Nonetheless, the administration has signaled a need for realistic expectations regarding immediate price decreases on essential goods.
“President Trump is already taking bold action to drive down costs with his executive actions to unleash American energy, and he is working diligently with Secretary Brooke Rollins to address the price of eggs,” White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly stated in a message to PMG. “Chuck Schumer and Elizabeth Warren cheered on Joe Biden as he nearly doubled egg prices over four years — no one takes them seriously.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also defended Trump last week against accusations regarding egg prices, attributing the blame primarily to the Biden administration.
“We also have seen the cost of everything, not just eggs — bacon, groceries, gasoline — have increased because of the inflationary policies of the last administration,” she said during her inaugural press briefing.
However, Democrats remain unconvinced, asserting that Trump has failed to uphold a significant campaign promise.
In recent days, the White House has implemented significant changes to USAID, stripping the agency of its independence. USAID’s headquarters were shut down Monday, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio appointed an acting administrator. Trump reiterated his stance on Tuesday, initiating steps to place nearly all of the agency’s Washington, D.C., staff on leave.
Democrats argue that dismantling an agency dedicated to combating global disease will only serve to keep prices high.
“At a time of soaring egg prices, the Trump administration shutting off USAID programs that fight the global spread of bird flu is utterly asinine,” Schumer stated on X.
Allen M Lee contributed to this report for TROIB News
Egg prices have remained notoriously high since Trump’s victory in November, primarily due to an Avian flu outbreak that significantly impacted supply, first emerging in 2022 and worsening as 2024 progressed. Recently, the popular southern breakfast chain Waffle House announced a 50-cent surcharge on all egg-inclusive menu items, a measure that will remain as long as the shortage continues.
Democrats are eager for this issue to strike a chord with voters as they navigate a tumultuous beginning to Trump’s second term. Several have pointed fingers at Trump for reducing funding for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), suggesting that weakening this foreign aid agency could exacerbate the situation.
“Bird flu outbreaks are driving up egg prices for families,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren wrote on X Monday. “Now, Elon Musk wants to shut down USAID, the agency responsible for monitoring outbreaks in dozens of foreign countries. With egg prices increasing grocery bills, why halt efforts to prevent a U.S. bird flu crisis?”
This marks a stark contrast from 2024, when Trump and his then-running mate, now-Vice President JD Vance, relentlessly attacked Democrats over inflation issues, particularly egg prices.
“Look at the prices here,” Vance remarked during a visit to a Pennsylvania grocery store in September. “Things are way too expensive, and they’re way too expensive because of Kamala Harris’ policies.”
However, the president has limited options to influence egg prices. Democrats see an opening to confront Trump over a subject he emphasized while in office.
Sen. Ruben Gallego shared a video on social media from an IHOP visit with his son on Sunday morning, noting their tradition of weekend pancake outings.
“IHOP: International House of Paying-more-for-eggs-because-Trump-is-doing-nothing-to-lower-costs-or-combat-bird-flu,” he captioned the video.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, egg prices are expected to rise by 20 percent in 2025. An executive order signed by Trump in January aimed to prioritize deregulation as part of his cost-reduction strategy. Nonetheless, the administration has signaled a need for realistic expectations regarding immediate price decreases on essential goods.
“President Trump is already taking bold action to drive down costs with his executive actions to unleash American energy, and he is working diligently with Secretary Brooke Rollins to address the price of eggs,” White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly stated in a message to PMG. “Chuck Schumer and Elizabeth Warren cheered on Joe Biden as he nearly doubled egg prices over four years — no one takes them seriously.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also defended Trump last week against accusations regarding egg prices, attributing the blame primarily to the Biden administration.
“We also have seen the cost of everything, not just eggs — bacon, groceries, gasoline — have increased because of the inflationary policies of the last administration,” she said during her inaugural press briefing.
However, Democrats remain unconvinced, asserting that Trump has failed to uphold a significant campaign promise.
In recent days, the White House has implemented significant changes to USAID, stripping the agency of its independence. USAID’s headquarters were shut down Monday, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio appointed an acting administrator. Trump reiterated his stance on Tuesday, initiating steps to place nearly all of the agency’s Washington, D.C., staff on leave.
Democrats argue that dismantling an agency dedicated to combating global disease will only serve to keep prices high.
“At a time of soaring egg prices, the Trump administration shutting off USAID programs that fight the global spread of bird flu is utterly asinine,” Schumer stated on X.
Allen M Lee contributed to this report for TROIB News
