Agriculture Secretary Claims "Grocery Prices Are Falling"
Democrats Criticize: "Out of Touch With Reality"
The United States Secretary of Agriculture has sparked controversy by claiming that a meal aligned with the Trump administration's new dietary guidelines can be prepared for just $3 (4,400 won), a statement criticized as being out of touch with reality.
Controversy Over New Dietary Guidelines: "Possible With $3" Statement
According to The Guardian on January 15 (local time), Brook Rollins, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, responded to a question about the cost burden of the newly announced dietary guidelines by the Trump administration during an interview the previous day, saying, "It is definitely affordable."
She asserted, "With a piece of chicken, some broccoli, a corn tortilla, and maybe one more item, you can have a meal for $3," adding, "The new guidelines could actually reduce the average American household's expenses."
Previously, Secretary Rollins, together with Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced new dietary guidelines recommending a reduction in the intake of ultra-processed foods containing added sugars, while encouraging the consumption of red meat and full-fat dairy products. These guidelines have faced criticism from the moment of their release for imposing a high cost burden.
Claims That "Grocery Prices Are Falling"... Statistics Show the Opposite
In the interview, Secretary Rollins also claimed that grocery prices are generally on a downward trend. She said, "The year-end price increase is due to higher holiday season consumption," and added, "Prices for key items such as eggs, chicken, pork, milk, and broccoli are actually going down." She further emphasized, "We have run simulations over a thousand times. The new dietary guidelines will definitely save Americans money."
However, official statistics contradict her statements. According to the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI), food prices last month rose by 0.7% compared to the previous month. Specifically, agricultural product prices increased by 0.5%, and beef prices rose by 1%, indicating that the financial burden on households continues to grow.
"Reminiscent of Marie Antoinette": Public Outrage
After Secretary Rollins's remarks became public, social media in the U.S. was flooded with ridicule, with many comparing her to Marie Antoinette, who allegedly said, "Let them eat cake," when told that people had no bread. Comments such as "Statements out of touch with reality" and "It feels like mocking people struggling with living expenses" also proliferated.
Brook Rollins, United States Secretary of Agriculture, is speaking at the signing ceremony held on the 14th at the White House office in Washington D.C. U.S. President Donald Trump signed a bill allowing schools to provide whole milk and 2% low-fat milk. Photo by EPA Yonhap News
The political backlash has also been fierce. Democratic Representative Ted Lieu posted a photo of a plate with a piece of chicken, broccoli, a tortilla, and a peppermint candy, sarcastically commenting, "Prices are rising, but this is what the Trump administration suggests."
Democratic Senator Ed Markey criticized, "The Trump administration is out of touch with the difficulties families are facing. They have no idea how much dinner costs, have no interest in making groceries affordable, and do not understand how people make ends meet." Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal called Secretary Rollins's remarks "an insult to struggling working families."
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