Fact Check: Trump says egg prices are down 79%

The Claim: "Trump says egg prices are down 79%"

In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump claimed that egg prices have decreased by 79%. This assertion has raised questions regarding its accuracy, particularly as it relates to the current economic climate and the historical context of egg prices. This article will explore the available data on egg prices, evaluate the credibility of the sources reporting on this claim, and analyze the context surrounding the statement.

What We Know

Current Retail Prices: As of February 2025, the average retail price of a dozen eggs was reported to be $5.90 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 1. This price reflects a significant increase compared to previous years, particularly during the avian flu outbreak that impacted supply.
Wholesale Prices: Trump’s claim appears to be based on wholesale prices, which have seen a notable decline. Reports indicate that wholesale egg prices dropped from $6.55 per dozen at the beginning of Trump's term to approximately $3.00 per dozen by late March 2025, which translates to a decrease of over 50% 2 6. Some sources report a drop of around 57% to $3.45 per dozen as of mid-March 2025 7.
Historical Context: Egg prices have fluctuated significantly over the past few years. In early 2023, prices surged due to supply chain issues and avian flu outbreaks, reaching highs of $4.82 per dozen 4. The current decline in prices may reflect a recovery from those peaks rather than a return to historically low levels.
Comparative Analysis: While Trump’s assertion of a 79% decrease is not supported by the data, the claim of a 50% drop aligns with the wholesale price trends. However, it is important to note that retail prices have not decreased at the same rate, remaining significantly higher than pre-crisis levels 5 6.

Analysis

The reliability of the sources reporting on Trump's claim varies. Major news outlets like The New York Times 1 and CBS News 3 provide data from reputable institutions such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the USDA, which lend credibility to their reports. However, the interpretation of price changes can be influenced by the context in which they are presented.

Source Credibility:
- The New York Times is generally regarded as a reliable source, although it may exhibit some bias against Trump, which could influence the framing of the report 1.
- WRAL and PolitiFact also provide fact-checking services and are known for their thorough analysis, making them credible sources for evaluating political claims 2 6.
- Conversely, sources like Sentient Media 8 may have a specific agenda related to animal rights and agricultural practices, which could color their reporting.
Methodological Concerns: The claim's validity hinges on the definitions of "prices" being discussed. Trump’s reference to wholesale prices may mislead consumers who are more familiar with retail prices. This discrepancy raises questions about the clarity and transparency of the data being presented.
Conflicts of Interest: Some sources may have vested interests in the agricultural sector or political affiliations that could bias their reporting. For instance, any claims made by Trump regarding economic improvements should be scrutinized for potential political motivations, especially in an election year.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that egg prices have decreased by 79% is false. The evidence indicates that while wholesale egg prices have indeed dropped significantly—by over 50%—the assertion of a 79% decrease is not supported by the data. As of February 2025, retail prices remain high at an average of $5.90 per dozen, which is substantially above pre-crisis levels. This discrepancy highlights the importance of distinguishing between wholesale and retail prices when discussing economic claims.

It is essential to recognize that while the decline in wholesale prices is a positive development, it does not reflect the same extent of relief for consumers at the retail level. Additionally, the context of fluctuating prices due to factors like supply chain disruptions and avian flu outbreaks adds complexity to the discussion.

Limitations in the available evidence include potential biases in reporting and the varying interpretations of price data. Readers should approach such claims with a critical mindset and consider the broader economic context. It is advisable to verify information through multiple reputable sources to form a well-rounded understanding of the issue at hand.