President Donald Trump tried to make Thanksgiving about savings this year, but instead he ended up giving critics something to feast on.
On Sunday, after returning from Mar-a-Lago, Trump told reporters that Walmart was proof his administration had cut the cost of holiday meals.
βI go to Walmart and other companies,β he said. βAnd in every case, itβs about 25% that a meal a Thanksgiving meal and surroundings are 25% lower than it was under the Biden administration. Thatβs a big fact.β
Trump shamelessly lies: “Go to Walmart and other companies, and in every case it’s about 25% that a Thanksgiving meal and surroundings are 25% lower. That’s big fact.” pic.twitter.com/Qhp1ahBJph
β Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 16, 2025
The statement was meant to show that his policies were helping Americans with rising grocery bills. The White House pointed to Walmartβs bundle that serves 10 people for around $40 as evidence.
The problem is that the numbers do not tell the full story. Analysts note that the Walmart bundle is not the same as last year. Several items were removed, and some brand-name products were replaced with store-brand alternatives. The per-person cost drops from $7 to $4, but the meal itself is smaller and includes fewer options. Savings in this case come from fewer products, not a miraculous reduction in prices.
Looking at broader data gives a clearer picture. The American Farm Bureau says a standard Thanksgiving meal for 10 people costs $68 this year, up almost 3% from last year. Turkey prices stayed roughly the same at $29, but the cost of sides, rolls, and desserts pushes the total higher. Experts also warn that tariffs and import costs may increase prices further, making groceries more expensive rather than cheaper.
Jada Thompson, an agricultural economist at the University of Arkansas, captured the frustration many Americans feel. βI cannot think of anyone I have talked to who has not complained about the rising cost of food at the grocery store and how far their money goes,β she told reporters.
Even with this information, the White House continues to rely on the Walmart example. When questioned about inflation, spokespersons highlight the bundle as proof of progress. Fact-checkers point out that this method ignores important factors. It does not take into account government assistance problems, rising fruit and nut costs, or steady increases in bread and dairy products.
Trumpβs wording also caught attention. The word βsurroundingsβ puzzled many people online. Some joked that he might mean sides, table decorations, or something else entirely.
Still trying to figure out what the βsurroundingsβ of a Thanksgiving meal are supposed to be
β Jamie Bonkiewicz (@JamieBonkiewicz) November 17, 2025
The βsurroundingβ. pic.twitter.com/GrjRBP8rZb
β βοΈ JohnJoe (@johnjoe) November 17, 2025
Itβs a fucking Lie!! Damn he needs to just shut up.
β R (@RobertC38981468) November 17, 2025
Well dip shit none of us are sitting in βgoldβ surroundings.
β JustbnmeinOKC (@JustbnmeinOKC) November 17, 2025
He just called side dishes βsurroundings β.
β Jessica Harmon (@goodkitty1969) November 17, 2025
My favorite part of Thanksgiving is dining on all the βsurroundingsβ that accompany the turkey.
β Matt Dominick (@mdominick44) November 17, 2025
Me at Thanksgiving, “That turkey smells great – and look at all those delicious surroundings!”
β Lowell George Wannabe (@JamesHS91499193) November 17, 2025
Meanwhile, Walmart stayed neutral. A representative said the store is proud to offer affordable options for families, without addressing the presidentβs claims directly. Shoppers, however, are still worried. Surveys show that 6 out of 10 households are concerned about their holiday budgets.
Featured image via X screengrab
