From housing to cars to student loan debt, inflation brings with it a little bit (or a lot, in some cases) of sticker shock as costs continue to rise.
Now, there’s a new face for the cost-of-living crisis: the burrito.
And whether you prefer your burrito spicy or mild, the debate fueled by this entree definitely has some heat.
What got this debate cooking?
Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for Turning Point USA and executive producer of “The Charlie Kirk Show,” posted a short anecdote on X Tuesday evening, recounting a conversation he had with a student about affordability.
“A burrito shouldn’t cost $20,” the student said to Kolvet.
Kolvet said “a hangover from Covid and Biden-era inflation” is making it feel like “basic things cost too much.”
It wasn’t long before Kolvet was getting grilled for his comments.
Marc Thiessen, a columnist and former White House director of speechwriting, reposted Kolvet’s post, saying, “Cry me a river. The burritos in the college cafeteria are included in your meal plan.”
A few hours later, Vice President JD Vance turned up the heat with a post of his own that said, “I’m surprised to hear Mark say this. If you’ve ever met him in person, it’s quite obvious the man has never missed a burrito.”
Other leaders were soon wrapped up in the burrito debate.
Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, told students to “stop whining, get a job, eat Ramen like the rest of us did in college, on a budget with 4 roommates.”
Following his initial comment, Thiessen continued to stir the pot.
Several people responding to the debate said paying $20 for a burrito is simply a sign of financial irresponsibility.
Others said the $20 burrito debate represents a greater fight against inflation and the rising cost of living.
No matter how much of a hit your checking account takes the next time you’re craving a burrito, one thing is clear: Affordability is an issue that isn’t going to simmer down any time soon.