Walmart announced price cuts on a range of summer items, with a pound of ground beef dropping 12% to $5.94. President Trump immediately claimed credit, posting on Truth Social that the retailer acted “at my Administration’s request to celebrate our great Country’s 250th birthday.” He called the company “truly patriotic” and urged other retailers to follow, describing the move as a “huge deal” for American shoppers.

The discounts, however, align with Walmart’s long-standing practice of seasonal promotions around summer holidays. The retailer’s statement made no mention of the White House request, and some of the same soda multipacks were discounted at similar levels last summer, according to local store advertisements. The ground beef reduction comes as US cattle herds have shrunk to a 75-year low after prolonged drought forced ranchers to cull animals, pushing beef prices to record highs. The administration has sought to ease prices by facilitating imports, including from Argentina.

Trump’s framing of the price cuts as a direct result of his intervention echoes a similar claim he made last November, when he touted a cheaper Thanksgiving meal basket from Walmart as evidence of falling food costs under his watch. At the time, the basket contained fewer items and more private-label products. Viewed from Washington, the latest episode is part of a broader White House effort to address voter anxiety over the cost of living ahead of November’s midterm elections. Polls show a majority of Americans believe Trump’s policies have increased costs in their communities, even as food inflation has moderated to 2.7% year-on-year, below the overall 4.2% rate.

Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, has been gaining market share as inflation strains household budgets, attracting more middle- and upper-income shoppers seeking bargains. The company’s price cuts, whether routine or politically inspired, will be closely watched by competitors such as Kroger, which has already signalled its own plans for significant discounts. The next factual milestone is the July 4th semiquincentennial celebration, when the discounts are meant to be in full effect, and the subsequent consumer price index data that will show whether beef and other food costs have eased from their peaks.