Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota emphasizes rising egg prices as a symptom of broader economic issues in her criticism of former President Trump, who she claims has fostered chaos instead of addressing living costs. Klobuchar argues that many voters, including former Trump supporters, expected action on prices, not divisive politics. She attributes the high egg costs partly to the bird flu outbreak and underscores the Biden administration’s efforts to address inflation. While highlighting Democrats’ unity on economic messaging, Klobuchar remains focused on her Senate responsibilities and avoids speculating about future presidential bids.
Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat from Minnesota, consistently finds a way to connect issues back to eggs.
Following President Trump’s dismissal of inspectors general last month, Ms. Klobuchar pointed out that both chaos and corruption were escalating — much like the prices of eggs.
When polling showed a decline in Mr. Trump’s support, she posted on social media, “The verdict in the egg aisle: Indeed! Trump’s honeymoon is over.”
Even when facing boos at an event for mocking Mr. Trump, Ms. Klobuchar had a response for any Republican who might consider throwing eggs at her in protest.
“You can’t,” she joked. “Because they cost too much.”
For years, Republicans criticized the Biden administration over inflation, leveraging widespread dissatisfaction with soaring living costs to regain overall control in Washington.
Now, facing pressure from their constituents while out of power, Democrats are finding it tough to unify and craft a compelling counter-message to Mr. Trump. However, some, including Ms. Klobuchar, are eager to shift the blame for surging basic goods costs back onto the administration.
They argue that despite Mr. Trump’s promises to lower living costs, his administration seems focused on divisive policies and benefiting billionaires instead of making life more affordable for everyday Americans.
(On Wednesday, the Agriculture Department announced plans to investigate importing more eggs and boosting funding to combat the spread of bird flu, a key factor driving egg prices higher.)
Ms. Klobuchar, who serves as the No. 3 leader among Senate Democrats, discussed the messaging around eggs, the Trump administration, and the upcoming election cycles during a phone interview.
This interview has been summarized and edited.
You frequently highlight the rising cost of eggs during the Trump administration. Can you elaborate on the type of voters you and your fellow Senate Democrats aim to reach with this focus?
Let me clarify: it’s not only egg prices that have surged.
Many individuals who voted for Donald Trump, including some in my state who also cast their votes for me, anticipated he would be a catalyst for change, but not chaos and corruption. They expected he would address their rising costs, including housing, child care, and healthcare. Instead, they’re seeing nothing being done. In fact, they’re experiencing the complete opposite.
The chaos they are creating and the elimination of critical programs, whether related to cancer research or local park rangers, is not what people voted for.
We would happily collaborate on child care or housing issues, but that’s not in his agenda. Instead, he’s pursuing divisive tactics, like trying to buy Greenland and Panama and make Canada the 51st state. This is not what the voters signed up for. Thus, it’s our responsibility to make that point and hold them accountable for their commitments.
What was the last price you paid for a dozen eggs in Minnesota?
I’ll have to check with my local grocery store. I bought some last week, so I don’t want to provide an inaccurate number. However, I know the prices have definitely increased.
[Ms. Klobuchar interjects later in the conversation:]
The reason I hesitated on this question is that there’s a notable difference. In Minnesota, the price is around $8.50, which, as I recall, is two to three times higher than it was last summer or last year. Meanwhile, at Giant Food [in Washington], it’s nine dollars. I visit three different grocery stores, but I always do my own shopping.
Egg prices are largely influenced by bird flu. Do Democrats hold President Trump accountable for this, and if so, how do you make that argument?
I hold him accountable for the promises he made, and eggs are just one aspect of the larger issue. If it were merely one isolated concern, it would not be as significant. The challenge extends to areas like housing and child care. No one expected him to resolve all issues overnight, but he hasn’t taken steps to address any of them. Not one. And this broader context is what matters — eggs serve as a symbol of that larger narrative.
Given that Americans have been upset with Democrats for quite a while over living costs, how do you convince them that responsibility now lies with Republicans?
This has been a significant concern for voters in the previous election, and I am keenly aware of that. However, promises were made suggesting that we would witness real change.
This rhetoric of threatening tariffs and creating chaos is precisely the opposite of what is needed to lower prices and implement concrete policy changes in our country.
Can you identify two or three individuals who stand out as particularly strong messengers for the Democratic Party?
I won’t point to any specific person, as we have demonstrated remarkable unity among Democrats, ranging from our more moderate members to our most progressive.
To me, the key players are the courts, Congress, and our constituents. Our constituents play a huge role because they also represent the Republicans’ constituents. Their active involvement in expressing their views and sharing stories from their local experiences is crucial. We’re witnessing a surge of people getting involved and making their voices heard.
Turning to a few political inquiries, your fellow Minnesotan, Gov. Tim Walz, recently mentioned he is not ruling out a potential presidential run. Have you ruled out a bid for the presidency?
I currently have a significant role to fulfill. I serve as the No. 3 leader in the Senate, and that’s my primary focus.
Do you believe President Biden should seek re-election?
President Biden has successfully guided us through the pandemic during a challenging period, and I think his decision to withdraw was the correct one.
However, I won’t waste my time ruminating on the past. My attention is directed towards the future.