Burrito price debate splits Trump Republicans

A debate over the price of a burrito has opened a dispute inside President Donald Trump's Republican Party as conservatives argue over how to respond to voter concerns about the cost of living before November's midterm elections.

The argument began after Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for the conservative youth organisation Turning Point USA, wrote on X that one student had told him: "A burrito shouldn't cost $20." Kolvet said some of the pressure was linked to Covid-era and Biden-era inflation, but added that many people still felt basic items cost too much.

The comment prompted pushback from some conservatives. Republican congressman Dan Crenshaw told students to stop complaining, get a job and eat ramen while living on a budget. Marc Thiessen, a former adviser to president George W. Bush, also criticised complaints about affordability and said he had lived on ramen noodles after graduating.

Other conservatives said that response risked political damage. Angela Morabito, a spokesperson for the right-leaning Defense of Freedom Institute, wrote on X that if the right's answer to the affordability crisis was telling people to eat worse food, Republicans would lose in November and deserve it.

Vice President JD Vance also criticised Thiessen's comment. Fox News described the argument as a Republican "civil war."

In Washington, a takeout burrito at two popular fast-food chains ranged from $6.50 to $13.50, depending on the ingredients.

Trump said Thursday that inflation had fallen in the United States and denied that his tariff policies were affecting prices. Federal figures cited in the item showed inflation rose to 4.2 percent in May before falling to 3.5 percent in June as energy prices eased.

Consumer concern remains high. A Marquette University opinion poll found that 35 percent of respondents named the cost of living as their main concern, ahead of the war in Iran.