Conservative commentator Bill Mitchell suggested on X that Americans try veggie burgers as ground beef prices rose amid a tightening U.S. cattle supply. Ground beef averaged $7.16 per pound in August, up 0.6% month-over-month and 7.9% year-over-year, outpacing overall inflation. Mitchell’s post prompted mixed reactions online, with some calling the comment tone-deaf and others unsure if it was sarcastic. Replies included responses from Owen Shroyer and pollster Mark Mitchell.
Bill Mitchell Suggests Veggie Burgers as U.S. Ground Beef Hits $7.16 a Pound — Reaction Is Mixed
Molly Schuyler, the #1 ranked competitive eater in the world, downs a burger in the 9th Annual Independence Burger Eating Championship at Z-Burger on July 3, 2018 in Washington, D.C.
Conservative commentator Bill Mitchell drew criticism on social media after suggesting Americans try veggie burgers in response to rising beef prices, which have climbed as the U.S. cattle supply tightens.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ground beef averaged $7.16 per pound in August — up 0.6% from July and 7.9% year-over-year. That annual increase outpaced overall inflation (3.4%) and was roughly three times the rate of food inflation.
Mitchell, host and founder of the conservative podcast YourVoice America, posted on X:
"With regards to beef prices, have you ever tried a veggie burger? They're actually really good."
He followed up with a suggested topping combination:
"A little lettuce, tomato, pickles, a portobello mushroom, slice of Swiss cheese. Excellent."
Reactions
Responses to Mitchell’s post were mixed. Some users wondered whether he was being ironic; others criticized the suggestion as tone-deaf for not addressing policy or market measures to bring beef prices down to recent levels.
Notable replies included Owen Shroyer — former host of the War Room program on Infowars, who served two months in prison related to the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot — writing, "That's the message to win midterms!" Mark Mitchell, head pollster at the Honest Polling Company, simply responded: "MAGA!"
Why It Matters
Higher beef costs affect grocery budgets and food-price inflation headlines. Mitchell’s suggestion tapped into larger frustrations about rising food expenses and prompted debate over whether individual advice or broader economic and policy responses are the appropriate reaction.
Note: This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Photo caption: Molly Schuyler, ranked the world’s No. 1 competitive eater, downing a burger at the 9th Annual Independence Burger Eating Championship at Z-Burger on July 3, 2018, in Washington, D.C.
Help us improve.
