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Schiff Warns Thanksgiving Turkey Prices May Soar 40% — Cites Bird Flu and Tariffs

10:44 AM, 11/25/2025

Sen. Adam Schiff says Thanksgiving turkey prices could rise about 40% this year, citing avian influenza and higher costs for imported feed that he attributes to tariffs. He made the claim in a video posted to X. Rep. Eric Swalwell, a fellow California Democrat and gubernatorial candidate, said voters want decisive action to lower prices. The exchange comes amid a broader political fight over affordability after recent Democratic electoral wins.

Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) warned Sunday that the cost of Thanksgiving turkey this year could rise by about 40 percent, blaming a combination of avian influenza and higher input costs tied to imported feed that he says are affected by tariffs.

“So, we’re coming up on Thanksgiving, and it’s as good a time as any to try to take stock of Donald Trump’s promise to reduce costs for the American people. Well, grocery prices are up. Turkey for this Thanksgiving is going to be up a whopping 40 percent,” Schiff said in a video posted to the social platform X.

“Now, some of that is due to bird flu, some of that is due, though, to the increased cost of the input — like turkey feed — that we have to import, and that is subject to the Trump tariffs,” he added.

Schiff’s comments came as Democrats and President Trump have sparred over who is delivering lower costs for consumers. The exchanges intensified after recent state elections in which Democrats won high-profile races in New Jersey and Virginia.

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), who is running for governor of California, echoed concerns about rising prices and said voters want decisive action to bring costs down. On MS NOW’s "The Weekend: Primetime," Swalwell described voters as seeking a "get‑things‑done" approach to lowering prices.

President Trump has maintained that prices for many goods have fallen under his administration, even as inflation measures have remained relatively steady this year.

The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Why this matters

Turkey prices are shaped by several factors: outbreaks of avian influenza can reduce supply, while feed and other inputs represent a major portion of producers’ costs. Trade policy and tariffs that affect imported inputs can also influence retail prices, particularly when global supply chains and disease pressures tighten supply.

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