Analyzing President Trump's Claims on Affordability: A Closer Look at Walmart's Thanksgiving Dinner Packages
President Donald Trump recently highlighted Walmart's Thanksgiving dinner package as evidence of falling prices during his administration. Following the Democrats' success in the Nov. 4 elections, where affordability was a key issue, Trump emphasized his administration's efforts on cost concerns. He pointed out that the 2025 Thanksgiving dinner package at Walmart was 25% cheaper than the 2024 package under Biden, showcasing a decrease in prices. However, it is important to note that the 2025 package had fewer items compared to the 2024 package.
In 2024, the Walmart Thanksgiving bundle included 21 different products and cost around $53. On the other hand, the 2025 bundle had 15 different products and was priced at approximately $38. This reduction in price was highlighted by Trump as evidence of his administration's success in lowering costs, particularly in comparison to the Democrats. Despite this claim, Trump's average approval ratings have recently hit new lows, with polls indicating a decline in approval of his handling of the economy.
According to polls conducted by various sources, including NBC News and CNN/SSRS, a significant portion of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the current economic conditions and cost of living. The economy and cost of living were identified as major concerns, with a majority of respondents believing that Trump's policies have worsened economic conditions in the country. These findings suggest that while Trump may tout affordability achievements, public sentiment regarding economic issues remains a critical factor in evaluating his administration's performance.