Claims 'Thanksgiving turkey was down 33% compared to last year' in price claims
During his national address touting economic success, Trump claimed 'The price of a Thanksgiving turkey was down 33% compared to last year.' The statement came as part of a broader effort to demonstrate he had reduced grocery costs, alongside his false 82% egg price claim. CBS News included the turkey price claim in their live coverage of the address but did not immediately fact-check the 33% figure. The claim appeared alongside other dubious economic assertions as Trump sought to counter his 36% economic approval rating and concerns from 45% of Americans citing cost of living as their top concern. The specific focus on Thanksgiving turkey prices—a holiday-specific item—suggested cherry-picking favorable data points rather than presenting comprehensive grocery price trends. The claim fit Trump's pattern of citing precise percentages that create an impression of factual authority while often misrepresenting actual Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
“The price of a Thanksgiving turkey was down 33% compared to last year.” — National address from White House Diplomatic Reception Room, December 17, 2025 Quote verified against source
Analysis Feed
AI commentaryThe turkey price claim is strategically chosen—Thanksgiving turkey is a high-visibility seasonal purchase that Americans notice, making it effective for economic messaging. Whether accurate or not, citing a 33% decline creates a powerful impression of economic improvement. That Trump paired this with the demonstrably false 82% egg price claim suggests the turkey figure may also be exaggerated or misleading. The focus on specific grocery items (eggs, turkey) rather than overall food inflation allows Trump to cherry-pick favorable data while ignoring broader inflationary trends driven by his tariff policies.