The ongoing egg shortage in the United States is a clear example of how economic mismanagement and external challenges are impacting everyday Americans. According to CBS News, recent bird flu outbreaks and economic factors have caused shortages, particularly in states requiring eggs from cage-free hens.
These facilities, which house over 40% of the nation’s 300 million egg-laying hens, have been disproportionately affected, with 60% of recent bird flu cases occurring in cage-free farms. Outbreaks have been reported in Utah, Oregon, California, and Washington, per Emily Metz, CEO of the American Egg Board.
Grocery chains such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s have reported shortages, while the virus has also driven egg prices higher—a trend expected to continue into 2025. In April, Cal-Maine Foods, the nation’s largest egg producer, had to destroy over 1.9 million chickens in Texas after a bird flu outbreak, further exacerbating the crisis, according to Breitbart News.
Beyond the bird flu, the rising cost of eggs highlights a broader economic struggle under the Biden-Harris administration. Since they took office, egg prices have skyrocketed by 147%. Yet, the White House continues to deny the reality of food inflation.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre falsely claimed in June that grocery prices had declined, despite Americans facing the worst food inflation in decades.
As now-Vice President-elect Sen. JD Vance pointed out, “Eggs, when Kamala Harris took office, were short of $1.50 a dozen. Now, a dozen eggs will cost you around $4, thanks to Kamala Harris’ inflationary policies.” These economic pressures are directly tied to the administration’s mismanagement, making it harder for families to afford basic necessities, especially during the holiday season.
