Walmart, McDonald's and Kroger are among the companies that have found themselves in the political debate over higher prices or other moves that could hit Americans' wallets.
Democrats — particularly those like Casey who are trying to win races in competitive swing states — are trying to capitalize on frustration against companies overan X account run by House Republican leadership criticized Biden's economic policies in late May by listing some of the popular fast-food menu items that customers now pay more for at McDonald's, Chick-fil-A and Taco Bell.
But food at home is up 26.2% since June 2019 and food away from home, which mostly includes restaurant meals, is up 27.2% in the same period. In response to the uproar, McDonald's U.S. President Joe Erlinger wrote an open letter and released fact sheets on the chain's pricing. It was a big step for the company, which typically handles rumors or negative press with a succinct statement, not a 13-paragraph letter from a top executive.the actual average prices for a Big Mac or a 10-piece McNugget are up 21% and 28%, respectively, over the last five years — significant increases, but much less than described on social media.