This week, President Donald Trump made headlines alongside the White House as they celebrated a reported decrease in the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner at Walmart. Trump’s proclamations on social media and at a press briefing suggested this decline was indicative of a recovering U.S. economy since his return to the political forefront. However, a deeper examination of the facts tells a different story.
“Walmart just announced that Prices for a Thanksgiving Dinner is now down 25% since under Sleepy/Crooked Joe Biden, in 2024,” Trump posted on Truth Social. He emphasized that “AFFORDABILITY is a Republican Stronghold” and encouraged party members to leverage this “irrefutable fact” as a cornerstone of their messaging.
The White House echoed Trump’s claims during a session with reporters, highlighting a press release that proclaimed Walmart’s Thanksgiving meal costs 25% less than the previous year, presenting a cost-effective option that could feed ten people for just under $4 each.
However, while these statistics appear favorable at first glance, they omit crucial context that fans the flames of economic misunderstanding. Notably, Walmart’s Thanksgiving meal has been significantly downsized in recent years due to ongoing inflationary pressures. A fact check brought to light that the current meal offering features only 15 items compared to 21 items in the 2024 offering. Furthermore, many popular name-brand products from the past year have been replaced with Walmart’s Great Value line, leading to concerns about quality and variety.
Walmart’s 2024 Thanksgiving meal was enriched with beloved items such as Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix and Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce—staples that were conspicuously absent in the 2025 offering. The reduction in both quantity and, arguably, quality raises the question: Is a cheaper meal truly indicative of a stronger economy, or merely a reaction to economic strain?
Despite Trump’s insistence that the U.S. economy is experiencing a “golden age,” many citizens remain skeptical. Rising prices for essential goods paint a conflicting picture. According to various economic reports, including data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average grocery prices have risen by 3% compared to the previous year. Significant increases have been noted in categories like meats, poultry, fish, and eggs—with prices up by 5.2%.
Moreover, as the nation approaches the Thanksgiving holiday, it faces the backdrop of a government shutdown, adding another layer of uncertainty. The persistent rise in costs for basic necessities such as food, gas, and energy raises questions about the sustainability of the claims being made regarding economic improvement.
Since Republicans faced notable setbacks in recent elections, Trump’s fixation on the term “affordability” appears to be a strategic move, aiming to reclaim an issue that resonated strongly with voters. However, the reality for many families dealing with rising costs may tell a different story—one that is less about political narratives and more about day-to-day struggles. The notable changes in Walmart’s Thanksgiving meal offerings shift the conversation from pure economics to the lived experiences of average Americans, who continue to grapple with the effects of inflation on their holiday celebrations.