Burritos, a signature Mexican dish with rice, beans, meat, and other fillings wrapped in a tortilla, are favored by many Americans for being tasty, filling, and affordable.

However, that is a story of the past, according to Andrew Kolvet, spokesperson for the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA (TPUSA).

Burritos, a dish originating from Mexico, are popular in the United States. Photo: AFP

"A TPUSA student once complained to me about prices, saying a burrito could not cost 20 USD", Kolvet wrote in a notable social media post last week. "While much of this is due to the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and Biden-era inflation, the real-world experience remains the same: essential goods seem too expensive."

This statement ignited what Fox News, a favorite channel among Republicans, called a "civil war" within the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, which supports President Donald Trump.

Some MAGA conservatives questioned the 20 USD price for a burrito and criticized American youth for wasteful spending.

"Stop whining, go to work, earn money, and eat instant noodles like we did in college. Live frugally with four roommates. The market does not care what you think things should cost", Republican Representative Dan Crenshaw of Texas wrote on social media.

In Washington, the price of a takeout burrito at two popular fast-food chains ranges from 6,5 to 13,5 USD, depending on the ingredients.

Similarly, Marc Thiessen, a former advisor to Republican President George W. Bush, also criticized students for being lazy and spending money on food delivery services.

"When I first graduated, I also ate instant noodles", he wrote. "I did not complain about prices; I worked hard for a better life later on."

This statement drew sharp criticism from Vice President JD Vance, who called the comment "completely surprising" because "if you have ever met him in person, it is clear that man has never missed a burrito". The comment alluded to Thiessen's somewhat plump physique.

US President Donald Trump wearing a MAGA hat at an event in New York in 5/2025. Photo: Reuters

Many other conservatives believe that downplaying consumer concerns about prices is an entirely wrong reaction and will have political consequences for the Republican Party.

"If the right's 'solution' to the price crisis is just telling people to eat more cheaply, we will lose the midterm elections in November, and that outcome will be entirely deserved", said Angela Morabito, spokesperson for the conservative-leaning Institute for Free Speech.

For his part, President Donald Trump continued to assert on 6/8 that inflation in the United States had decreased, while denying that his tariff policies affected prices.

According to federal data, inflation in the United States rose to 4,2% in 5/2025, the highest level in three years, before falling to 3,5% in 6/2025 thanks to cooling energy prices.

However, the uncertain future of the Iran conflict, a main cause of soaring gas prices, continues to worry American consumers.

A recent Marquette University poll showed that 35% of respondents considered the cost of living their top concern, far surpassing the conflict in Iran.

Vu Hoang (According to AFP, Reuters, AP)