The cost of Thanksgiving dinner has dramatically increased under the Biden-Harris administration compared to when Donald Trump was in office, leading to significant changes in Americans’ holiday plans. A survey conducted by the Economist/YouGov reveals that over one-third of Americans are altering their Thanksgiving arrangements due to rising food prices. Traditional Thanksgiving foods—turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and pie—are all seeing a spike in costs, prompting concern among households trying to celebrate the holiday amidst escalating inflation.
Analyzing the data, it becomes evident that turkey prices have surged by 23% from October 2020 to October 2024. This period aligns with a transition from the Trump presidency to the current Biden administration. An equally notable increase is observed in the price of potatoes, climbing by 11% since October 2020. Accompaniments such as sauces and gravies have also seen significant increases, with prices rising 25% overall in this category since the end of Trump’s term. Fresh biscuits, rolls, and muffins reflect a staggering 28.5% increase during the same timeframe, while butter has escalated by 29%. The price of essential vegetables is not spared either, as canned vegetables jumped by 29%, and fresh vegetables rose by 8%.
Moreover, the appeal of Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without dessert. Yet, the costs of frozen and refrigerated bakery products, particularly pies, tarts, and turnovers, have risen by 27%. This trend mirrors similar economic struggles earlier in the year when Americans faced inflated prices for grilling staples like ground beef and hot dogs, which increased by 26% and 25%, respectively, since the Biden-Harris administration took office. As families cope with these financial burdens, there is a growing sentiment across the country that they want to see tangible efforts from political leaders to address inflation and rising food costs.
The upcoming presidential election sees economic issues at the forefront, with many voters placing their hopes in Donald Trump to resolve these financial challenges. The results of the election, which favored Trump significantly with 312 Electoral College votes across all swing states, underscore a widespread discontent with the current administration’s handling of economic matters. The pressing economic situation has emerged as a critical issue for voters, reflecting their frustrations with the Biden administration’s perceived lack of effective solutions to inflationary pressures impacting daily life.
In a recent interview, Governor Tim Walz struggled to articulate a persuasive response to why Americans should not hold Vice President Kamala Harris accountable for high prices—especially after she cast the decisive vote for the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, which critics argue has exacerbated inflation. Walz acknowledged that while “data” might show a complex picture, everyday Americans are primarily concerned with the tangible outcome of these policies as they navigate grocery store prices. This disconnect between political narratives and the everyday experiences of voters amplifies dissatisfaction and concern about current economic policies.
As Americans gear up for Thanksgiving, the stark reality of increased food costs creates an atmosphere of uncertainty regarding holiday celebrations. With many families adjusting their plans due to financial strain, the Biden administration faces growing scrutiny over its handling of the economy and inflation. Conversely, Trump’s emerging prominence in the political arena highlights a potential shift in public sentiment, as disillusionment with the status quo continues to fuel calls for change. In the coming months, the economic landscape will undoubtedly remain a critical topic as voters evaluate their options and seek leaders they trust to restore affordability and stability to their lives.