The White House assured that the Donald Trump administration is succeeding in reducing the cost of essential products such as gasoline and eggs, in an effort to rectify what they describe as the “economic disaster” left by the former president Joe Biden.
In a conference, the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, stated that the country is in “a period of transition” and that the president has remained committed to policies aimed at restoring economic stability.
"If you observe the president's first mandate, his economic formula was clear: massive deregulation, tax cuts, and an energy boom that reduced the cost of living," Leavitt said.
According to his statements, Trump is applying the same strategy in his current administration, asserting that “in fact, it is even better this time.”
Leavitt also highlighted that the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report indicated that inflation "is cooling down" and that costs have begun to decrease.
Among the examples mentioned, they indicated that the national average price of gasoline has dropped 4.22 cents compared to last year, while wholesale egg prices have fallen by 47% since January, bringing the cost of a dozen to approximately three dollars.
President Trump himself addressed the situation in a recent press conference, downplaying those who exaggerate the issue and attributing the problem to the previous administration.
"They call it a trivial matter, but it's no small thing if you like eggs and don't have much money. Egg prices have dropped by 25% in the last two weeks. We inherited that problem. Eggs," Trump stated.
The president's statements have generated skepticism and criticism from the opposition and sectors that question the effectiveness of his economic policies. The representative from New Mexico in the House of Representatives, Melanie Stansbury, criticized the Trump administration by pointing out that food costs remain high in many parts of the country.
"Good heavens! 8.49 dollars for a carton!?!!!" Stansbury wrote on social media, referring to the high prices still seen in some states. "Do you remember when Donald Trump promised that he would lower food prices and the cost of living? I guess he has been too busy dismantling the federal government and compromising our national security to do so," he added.
To address the egg shortage caused by avian influenza outbreaks, the United States has turned to the importation of this product from various countries.
Mexico has become the top supplier, exporting 1.4 million dozen eggs in January of this year, a significant increase compared to previous months.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has requested information from European countries, like Denmark and Spain, regarding their capacity to export eggs to the U.S. market, in an effort to stabilize prices and ensure supply, a report from Reuters indicates.
The price of a dozen eggs doubled between 2022 and 2023 in the United States, increasing from $1.93 to $4.82 during that period, and has continued to rise since then. In fact, in New York, a dozen costs $6.06, and in California, it is $8.70.
The official figures indicate an 8.2% increase in November 2024 (latest available data), and by the end of last year, the annual rise was nearing 70%.
Behind these exorbitant prices is a more lethal variant of avian flu that, according to the Spanish newspaper El País, was detected two years ago in 48 of the 50 states in the country.
These events are compounded by the fact that President Trump himself has acknowledged that the country will face an "economic transition period" as a result of the tariff war he has initiated against several international powers, but he promises that -once this phase is over- there will be so much money that they won't even know what to do with it.
Trump's statements come at a time of economic uncertainty in the U.S., as the Federal Reserve has warned about rising prices in certain sectors due to the imposition of tariffs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Price Reductions and the Economic Crisis in the U.S.
Is the price of gasoline and eggs really going down in the United States?
The Trump administration assures that it is true, highlighting that the national average price of gasoline has decreased by 42 cents since last year and that the cost of eggs has significantly dropped. However, these claims have sparked skepticism because in some states prices remain high.
What is the impact of avian influenza on the egg market in the U.S.?
The avian flu has had a devastating impact, causing the death of millions of laying hens and drastically reducing egg production. This has led to a significant increase in prices and measures such as the importation of eggs to stabilize the market.
What measures is the Trump administration taking to address the egg crisis?
The Trump administration has launched an emergency plan, which includes a $1 billion investment to combat avian influenza, support producers, and promote egg imports. However, the effectiveness of these measures is still under debate.
How do Trump's tariffs affect consumer prices in the U.S.?
The tariffs imposed by Trump could raise the prices of numerous products due to the additional costs they entail. While the president downplays this impact, experts warn that consumers may face an increase in their annual expenses due to these tariffs.
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