Faced with soaring Omicron cases and rising prices, President Biden attacked the meat industry.
During comments to the media about his plan to combat high meat prices, Biden said it was the meat industry “middlemen” and a lack of competition that is responsible for the rise in meat prices and not inflation.
Biden’s interest in meat prices was not from first-hand experience but rather from a family friend.
The president mentioned a comment about hamburger prices from a friend who said, “Do you realize it’s over $5 for a pound of hamburger meat? $5?”
Joe Biden tries to explain inflation:
"[My wife's friend] was sayin’ ‘do you realize it’s over 5 dollars for a pound of hamburger meat?’ 5 dollars. Well this is partly, you know, the pound of beef today costs 5 bucks compared to less than 4 bucks before the pandemic.”
😳😳😳 pic.twitter.com/1vPJUcuUeu
— Young Americans for Liberty (@YALiberty) January 3, 2022
The White House is aggressively going after the meat industry.
First, the White House posted Biden’s meeting about meat on Twitter.
Tune in as I meet with both independent and family farmers and ranchers to discuss our work to boost competition and reduce prices in the meat-processing industry. https://t.co/q6A9h2Adl0
— President Biden (@POTUS) January 3, 2022
Second, Biden’s comment about prices was amplified by White House Press Secretary Jenn Psaki.
Four big companies control 50+% of meat processing.
These middlemen use their position to overcharge grocery stores and ultimately, consumers. @POTUS is announcing an action plan to strengthen competition and keep fighting for fair prices for farmers, ranchers, and families. pic.twitter.com/QiIEwEBByH— Karine Jean-Pierre (@PressSec) January 3, 2022
The meat industry was not pleased with Biden’s assessment and they attacked his approach including being left out of the meeting.
The Daily Mail reports:
The Biden Administration continues to ignore the number one challenge to meat and poultry production: labor shortages. This tired approach is not surprising because they have refused to engage with the packing and processing sector they attack, going so far as to hold a roundtable on meat packing without a single beef or pork packer present.’
Bided was also criticized for ignoring questions from the media.
“When will Americans get those free COVID tests, sir?”
"Are you going to break up the four big meat packers?"
Biden stares cluelessly into space with a lost smile on his face.
Got most votes in history.
pic.twitter.com/vZSWPnlun5— Rising serpent 🇺🇸 (@rising_serpent) January 4, 2022
Inflation is hurting Biden and it’s a key reason for his low approval ratings.
As a result, instead of attacking inflation, Biden decides to attack the meat industry.
Finally, the president is not helping himself by ignoring the media.
Dodging questions makes Biden look weak and disconnected.
