Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins suggested Americans worried about high beef prices switch to another protein instead, as grocery costs continue to strain household budgets.
Here's what to know
During an interview with right-wing political commentator Benny Johnson, Rollins was asked what the administration is doing about rising beef prices.
According to The Independent, she answered, "We have more people eating beef than ever before, but if it is too expensive … you can eat chicken, pork, salmon, eggs. There are other sources of really good protein, and all of those prices are coming down as well."
Her response came as beef continues to weigh on grocery budgets. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, uncooked ground beef averaged $7.16 per pound in August, up from $6.63 a year prior.
Still, Rollins noted that, "No. 1, beef is lower by 5 percent, so we are trending in the right direction." In the same interview, she blamed former President Joe Biden and Democrats for higher costs and for what she described as efforts to curb domestic beef production.
More background
During the interview, Rollins said beef demand has reached a record high even as supply stays tight. She also referenced the new food pyramid promoted by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that places red meat at the top.
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President Donald Trump has likewise publicly said beef prices are too high. The administration said it would allow 331,000 tons of duty-free ground beef imports into the United States for a 90-day period, with the meat intended to be sold below market rates.
Higher gas prices have also added pressure to household budgets. Rollins said the administration recognizes the cost-of-living problem, adding, "We're doing everything we can to bring them [grocery prices] down."
Where can I learn more?
Rising beef costs are part of a bigger squeeze on grocery budgets. These stories look at why prices keep climbing, how shoppers are adapting, and what may happen next.
• Beef prices have soared as drought and inflation squeeze ranchers and shoppers.
• The cost of beef remains uncertain as herds shrink and expenses climb.
• U.S. shoppers are swapping ground beef for turkey and freezing clearance meat for later.
• New research warns prices may not come down as climate pressures and demand tighten cattle supplies.
• Experts warn rising prices of meat could put longer-term pressure on grocery bills beyond beef.
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