Democrats rip Brooke Rollins's 'chicken, broccoli, tortilla' dinner suggestion
Category: News & Politics
Via: john-russell • 10 months ago • 10 commentsBy: Sarah Fortinsky (The Hill)
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
Democrats pounced on Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins after she suggested Americans could save money by eating a piece of chicken, a piece of broccoli, a corn tortilla and "one other thing" to afford a nutritious dinner.
In a NewsNation interview, Rollins addressed concerns that the White House's newly revamped dietary guidelines — which prioritize protein and healthy fats over ultra-processed foods and sugars — would be costly for the average American already facing financial constraints.
"I think the question you're asking, and it's a really important one, is while we're asking Americans to reconsider what they're eating, are we actually asking Americans — especially those who are living on the margins — are we asking them to spend more on their diet? And the answer to that is no," Rollins told anchor Connell McShane.
"We've run over 1,000 simulations," she continued. "It can cost around $3 a meal for a piece of chicken, a piece of broccoli, you know, a corn tortilla and one other thing."
"So, there is a way to do this that actually will save the average American consumer money," she added.
Footage of the interview quickly circulated on social media, as Democrats seized on the moment to mock the secretary and paint the administration as out of touch with the American people.
The social media page run by Democrats of the House Ways and Means Committee responded to a clip of the interview with an AI-generated image of a cafeteria tray with four slots, holding a small piece of chicken, a single piece of broccoli and a mini corn tortilla.
In the fourth slot, a tinfoil-wrapped rectangle was labeled, "MYSTERY ITEM?" with another, larger question mark underneath it.
"MAHA!" the account added, referencing the movement behind Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has championed the new dietary guidelines.
"One whole tortilla?!" read a post from Democratic strategist Jennifer Holdsworth, who's worked for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill (D).
Buttigieg's husband, Chasten, added: "Private jets and tax breaks for them and their rich friends, and one piece of broccoli *AND* a tortilla for you!"
Other criticism was more serious, as Democrats sought to highlight President Trump's economic policies they say are hurting Americans.
"Due to Trump's tariffs, last month was the largest spike in grocery prices in three years," Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) wrote on the social platform X, responding to the clip.
"So now this is what the Trump Administration suggests you can afford for a meal: 'a piece of chicken, a piece of broccoli, corn tortilla, and one other thing,'" he continued.
Lieu included a photo of a small plate with the three items Rollins mentioned in her remarks, along with a single red M&M.
"The Trump administration is completely out of touch with the challenges families are facing. They have no idea how much dinner costs, no interest in actually making groceries affordable, and no clue how to make ends meet," Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) said on X, responding to the same post.
The secretary's office did not respond to request for comment.
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I have a family member who is well off. I wouldnt call him rich but he is a multimillionaire. He and his wife order takeout delivered half the days of the week and go to restaurants the other half.
My point is Sec of Agriculture Rollins doesnt give a crap about what Americans eat, other than to try and make a political point.
Brooke Rollins' net worth is estimated to be $10 million
One piece of broccoli ?
Aha-- so that's the secret to balancing your budget-- its all about the size of the piece of Broccoli you are eating!
Yet many self proclaimed "experts" who are pontiicating on this crucial topic are secretly saying the real question is-- what, exactly, is that mysterious "ONE OTHER THING"?
And who is more to blame for that-- the Democrats or the Republicans?
It would have to be some sort of desert. Maybe half a Nabisco chocolate chip cookie.
LOL. Isn't it so that "a piece of broccoli is anything less than a whole broccoli? Fortunately I can eat as much broccoli as I want, cause my wife grows it.
Bread and water.
Just as long as she commits to eating that as a full time diet, I will watch and see how she does.
I can do way better than a $3 meal for most maga ...
I wish my wife would give me only one piece of broccoli, but no...
I don't understand what is wrong with Rollins' suggestion. And I don't know why this type of meal would cost $3.