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In a heated exchange on ABC’s “This Week,” White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett faced sharp questioning over President Donald Trump’s recent claims about Thanksgiving costs, highlighting ongoing tensions around economic messaging in the administration.
Host Jonathan Karl directly challenged Hassett on Sunday regarding Trump’s assertion that Thanksgiving meals are 25% cheaper than they were a year ago under former President Joe Biden’s administration, asking bluntly, “Does he know that’s not true?”
When Hassett attempted to reference Walmart’s Thanksgiving meal package pricing as evidence, Karl interrupted with an immediate fact check, explaining that the comparison was misleading because this year’s package contains significantly fewer items than last year’s offering.
“I got to stop because the Walmart comparison’s like not a thing,” Karl said. “Walmart had a Thanksgiving package last year. They’ve got a Thanksgiving package this year. The one this year contains much less than what the one last year it took. So that’s why the price is less.”
Karl elaborated that Walmart’s 2024 package contained 21 products, while the 2025 version includes just 15 items. Additionally, he noted the current year’s package features more generic brands rather than name-brand products, making any direct price comparison misleading.
“There’s more generic brand stuff,” Karl pointed out. “So, I mean, Thanksgiving—if you’re going to the store to buy groceries for Thanksgiving, it’s going to be more expensive this year.”
According to Walmart’s own marketing, its 2025 Thanksgiving meal package serves 10 people for $40, averaging $4 per person. This contrasts with last year’s kit, which was priced at $56 to serve eight people, or approximately $7 per person. However, the composition and quality of items between the two packages differ substantially, making direct cost comparisons problematic.
When pressed on the issue, Hassett pivoted to blaming the Biden administration for current economic challenges, prompting Karl to remind him, “He’s not president. Donald Trump’s president.”
Hassett responded defensively, “No, you want us to fix the hole that Joe Biden dug right away,” suggesting the current administration needs more time to address economic issues inherited from the previous one.
The exchange highlights a growing tension point for the Trump administration as it navigates messaging around inflation and consumer costs. Food prices remain a sensitive economic indicator for many American households, particularly during the holiday season when grocery bills typically increase.
Economists note that while overall inflation has moderated from its peak, food prices have remained stubborn in many categories. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most recent Consumer Price Index data, food prices continue to outpace general inflation in several categories relevant to holiday meals.
The debate over Thanksgiving costs comes at a time when consumer sentiment about the economy remains mixed. While unemployment figures have stayed relatively low, many Americans continue to express concern about grocery prices and everyday expenses, making accurate messaging about costs particularly important for political credibility.
Trump has repeatedly highlighted the Walmart Thanksgiving package in recent speeches and social media posts as evidence of economic improvement under his leadership, but has not acknowledged the significant changes in meal composition and branding that make year-over-year comparisons misleading.
This public fact-checking incident underscores the challenges facing the administration as it attempts to craft economic narratives that resonate with voters still concerned about their purchasing power, especially as the holiday season approaches.
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6 Comments
This seems like a case of political spin rather than facts. While it’s good to highlight cost changes, the Walmart comparison is clearly misleading. Responsible officials should stick to objective data and avoid cherry-picking to support their narrative.
Agreed. Transparency and honesty are essential, especially when discussing economic issues that impact people’s daily lives.
It’s disappointing to see political figures making inaccurate claims, even about something as mundane as Thanksgiving meal prices. Fact-checking is important to hold leaders accountable and ensure the public has access to reliable information.
Absolutely. Misleading economic data can have real consequences for people struggling with the rising costs of living. Journalists play a vital role in calling out such behavior.
While it’s understandable that the administration wants to present a positive economic picture, the facts clearly show the Walmart comparison is misleading. I hope they’ll focus on providing accurate, unbiased information going forward.
Agreed. Transparent and factual communication is crucial, especially on issues that directly impact household budgets and the daily lives of Americans.