Trump claims credit for Walmart price cuts as retailer stays silent on White House role
Walmart announced summer discounts on beef and other goods Monday, but its statement made no mention of the president, who said the cuts came at his administration's request.
The price cuts
Walmart announced Monday it is lowering prices on a range of summer items, including ground beef, produce, soft drinks, pools, toys, grills and clothing. The retailer said one variety of ground beef will drop about 12 percent to $5.94 per pound. The move comes as U.S. consumers face record-high beef prices, driven by drought that raised feed costs and forced ranchers to shrink herds.
Whether they're stocking up for a backyard barbecue, heading out on vacation or simply shopping for the week ahead, we're helping everyone save more for every occasion.
Trump's claim
Shortly after Walmart's announcement, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the price cuts were made at his administration's request to mark the country's 250th anniversary. He said the retailer would lower the price of a pound of ground beef by "almost" 15 percent.
I have just been informed that one of the biggest, best, and smartest retailers in America, Walmart, will be lowering prices, by a lot, at my administration's request to celebrate our great country's 250th birthday.
Trump called the move "a huge deal" and urged other retailers to follow suit. The New York Times reported that Walmart's statement was posted on its website before Trump's 4:45 p.m. post.
Walmart's response
Walmart's press release made no mention of Trump or the White House. The company said the discounts were intended to help customers save money during the summer season. When asked for comment, Walmart declined to elaborate. Its shares were nearly unchanged in after-hours trading.
- Trump's claim
- 15 %
- Walmart's stated
- 12 %
Beef prices and political pressure
U.S. beef prices have risen sharply after a prolonged drought raised livestock feed costs, forcing ranchers to reduce herd sizes. Trump had previously promoted tariff-friendly imports of Argentine beef to ease prices. He has also recently pressured oil companies to cut gasoline prices, calling for a target of $2.50 per gallon, well below the current national average of just under $4. Days earlier, Trump wrote on Truth Social that gasoline sellers must lower prices "IMMEDIATELY" and threatened "big problems" for those who do not.
This is a huge deal for the many millions of Americans who, smartly, shop at Walmart, which is a truly patriotic Company who loves the U.S.A.
Trump won the 2024 election in part by pledging to bring down high household costs, and he has repeatedly claimed credit for corporate price moves.
Broader retail landscape
Some grocery chains are testing price cuts to attract shoppers. In June, Kroger executives told investors they were running price tests on select items. Walmart's move fits into a pattern of retailers adjusting prices amid consumer sensitivity to inflation.
