Many fans of the Marx Brothers remember a classic scene from “Duck Soup.” It’s often misquoted as Groucho’s line, “Who ya gonna believe, me or your own eyes?” In fact, it was Chico wearing Groucho’s persona, leaving Margaret Dumont confused about reality.
This scene feels relevant today, especially concerning the President of the United States. His strategy seems highly reliant on convincing the public to ignore what they see. Take his promise to fix the economy instantly with a “drill, baby, drill” plan for oil production. On the campaign trail, he positioned himself as the answer to rising prices. However, reality has painted a different picture.
Agriculture, particularly soybean farming, has suffered greatly. In 2025, tariffs imposed during trade tensions with China led to devastating impacts on U.S. soybean farmers. Data shows that from January to October of that year, no U.S. soybeans were sold to China. Instead, they turned to Brazil and Argentina for their needs. Only in late October did China pledge to buy at least 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans by March.
To help farmers cope with these losses, the White House has committed $12 billion in aid. However, the American Soybean Association argues that the compensation—around $30.88 per acre—is far too low to cover the damages incurred due to the high costs and lost sales. Farmers are now demanding more support.
Looking at the bigger picture, the concessions from China seem paltry. They’ve promised to buy 25 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans annually through 2028, but that’s actually below the 29 million metric ton average purchased from 2020 to 2024. Farmers remain skeptical about the efficacy of these promises.
The conversation about food affordability has ignited political debates. Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that prices for groceries have jumped in five out of six categories. This stark reality contradicts the administration’s optimistic messaging about reducing food costs. Many are frustrated, noting that government officials, like Secretary Brooke Rollins, might be disconnected from everyday challenges. In a recent statement, she suggested people can eat healthy for as little as $3 per meal, a claim that many found laughable given current prices.
Public sentiment reflects growing anxiety about finances. Recent polls indicate that both Democrats and Republicans are acknowledging the struggle many Americans face in affording basic groceries. Despite the administration’s attempts to alleviate worries, such as tariff reductions and encouraging fast-food chains to lower prices, these efforts haven’t swayed public opinion. Many still feel they are falling behind financially.
In summary, when it comes to food prices, the overwhelming evidence speaks for itself. People are hurting financially, and the gap between what they see and what they are being told is widening. Who are you going to believe—what you see or the claims being made? The answer seems clear.
For more insights on this ongoing issue, check out the article from Investigate Midwest.
