Fact Check: "Joe Biden is to blame for the rising egg prices."
What We Know
The claim that Joe Biden is responsible for rising egg prices has been a topic of debate. Egg prices surged significantly during Biden's presidency, with the cost of a dozen eggs increasing from approximately $1.60 in February 2021 to around $4.10 by December 2024 (Al Jazeera). This increase has been attributed to various factors, including inflation and supply chain issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to inflation, a significant contributor to the rising prices has been the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu), which led to the culling of millions of chickens. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that over 108 million egg-laying chickens were lost due to this outbreak (CNN). The culling of these birds is a standard response to prevent the spread of the virus, a policy that predates Biden's administration and was also enacted during previous administrations (Al Jazeera).
Analysis
While it is true that egg prices rose during Biden's presidency, attributing this rise solely to his policies is misleading. The claim made by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, which suggests that Biden's administration directed the mass killing of chickens leading to a shortage, lacks crucial context (Al Jazeera). The culling was primarily a response to the bird flu outbreak, a situation that has been managed similarly by past administrations, including Trump's (Al Jazeera).
Moreover, the USDA's policies regarding the culling of infected flocks are designed to protect public health and prevent further economic damage to the poultry industry. Experts have noted that the culling policy is longstanding and was not initiated by Biden (Al Jazeera).
Additionally, while inflation has played a role in rising food prices, the specific spike in egg prices cannot be attributed solely to inflationary policies. The USDA projected that egg prices could rise an additional 20% in early 2025 due to ongoing supply issues (CNN). Thus, while Biden's administration has faced criticism for rising food prices, the complexities of the situation indicate that multiple factors are at play.
Conclusion
Verdict: Partially True
The claim that Joe Biden is to blame for the rising egg prices is partially true. While egg prices have indeed increased during his presidency, attributing this rise solely to his policies ignores significant contributing factors such as the avian influenza outbreak and longstanding USDA policies regarding poultry management. The situation is complex, involving both inflation and supply chain challenges that extend beyond Biden's control.
Sources
- The price of eggs in America cannot be explained by inflation alone
- Is US egg shortage Biden's fault, as Trump spokesperson claims?
- Rick Scott hits Joe Biden over price of eggs, inflation
- High egg prices weren't Biden's fault. They're not Trump’s...
- Q&A on Egg Prices - FactCheck.org
- Price of eggs, milk, steak up since Biden took office | Fox Business
