AP Independent Investigation: Trump's Claim That This Year's Thanksgiving Dinner Will Cost 25% Less Is Not Factually Accurate
On November 7, 2025, in Washington, the Associated Press wrote in a press release:
With less than three weeks until Thanksgiving, the question of how much turkey and side dishes will cost this year is pressing, especially as grocery prices are up 2.7% compared to 2024. President Trump claimed over the past two days that the cost of this year's Thanksgiving meal has dropped by 25%, citing pre-packaged holiday meal baskets from Walmart.
But Trump's numbers are wrong. Here is a careful examination of the facts.
Although the meal basket for 2025 is about 25% cheaper than the 2024 meal basket. But this is because it contains fewer items and different products, making it more affordable.
The 2025 basket costs less than $40 for 10 people, about $4 per person. In 2024, a basket for eight people cost around $56, less than $7 per person. This is approximately a 25% decrease, possibly more, depending on price fluctuations.
But the baskets are quite different. For example, this year's basket includes only 15 items, while last year's had 29 items. It lacks many desserts, including pecan pie, mini marshmallows, and pancake mix, as well as savory foods like sweet potatoes, yellow onions, and celery stalks. The supermarket retailer also changed some products.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1848184884134151/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.