Families scale back menus despite Trump’s claims that food costs are falling.

On Thursday, American families will gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, although many are being forced to prepare a more modest dinner because of rising prices for some ingredients — something President Donald Trump denies.

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Turkey is the star dish of a feast that recalls the meal shared by English colonists and Native Americans in 1621 to celebrate a good harvest.

According to Datasembly, a market research firm, turkey prices fell 2% this year, even though the total cost of a Thanksgiving basket with 11 products rose 4.1%. Some businesses are offering discounted turkeys to offset the possible impact of rising prices for the rest of the ingredients.

“Everything is much more expensive than last year, no matter how much Trump denies it. This administration has a very tense relationship with the truth,” says Jamie, who is checking prices at a Washington D.C. supermarket for the items needed for this year’s dinner.

Donald Trump, who won the presidential election on a promise to lower food and gas prices, touts as a success the fact that Walmart slashed the price of its Thanksgiving ingredient basket by 25%, making it the lowest since 2019.

But the contents of the basket — which costs less than US$40 — were reduced from 29 to 24 items. Onions, sweet potatoes, muffin mix, marshmallows and whipped cream are no longer included.

Dinners With Fewer Ingredients

The latest available official data show that the U.S. recorded an annual inflation rate of 3% at the end of September. As a result, many consumers are convinced that they are paying more money for smaller quantities of food.

“Spices, some fresh products and even bone broth are at least a dollar more expensive than in 2024,” says Ryan, another Washington, D.C., resident.

Some people are opting this year for more modest celebrations and simplified menus. “We just can’t afford to make everything as elaborate and complicated as before,” says Dalia as she fills her cart.

Connie, who buys the same ingredients every year for her dinner, also expresses skepticism about the supposed price cuts: “The Trump administration repeats its version over and over again hoping people will believe them, but we all know what the prices are.”

According to a CBS poll, 60% of Americans believe Trump portrays the economic situation as “much better” than what people actually experience.

Record Travel Numbers

Americans are gathering with their families this week, and a record travel season is expected, with forecasts of more than 73 million people traveling by road and 31 million flying — the busiest holiday period in 15 years, according to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

Air traffic has returned to normal after flight reductions caused by the recent federal government shutdown, which had worried many Americans planning to travel during the holiday. However, a powerful winter storm and heavy rains in the northern part of the country threaten to complicate holiday plans in several states.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

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