There's been a national debate on affordability in recent days that seems to all stem from a dubious social media claim that burritos suddenly cost $20 nationwide.
But supposedly serious journalists and commentators have picked up the narrative, including Fox News contributor and Washington Post columnist Mark Thiessen:
Cry me a river. The burritos in the college cafeteria are included in your meal plan. https://t.co/lQCDSW23Zy
— Marc Thiessen (@marcthiessen) August 5, 2026
That comment sparked remarks from, among others, Vice President J.D. Vance:
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. https://t.co/z4DjKLVZVs
— JD Vance (@JDVance) August 5, 2026
According to The Hill, the vice president later defended the jab in an interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt:
"I certainly wish him the best. I think he's been a little unfair to me over the last couple of weeks, and so I decided to hit back with a little spice," Vance said of Thiessen.
Vance said he looked to Jesus Christ as an example, pointing to Jesus's humility and "remarkable way with words."
"I'm always going to fall short of that example, but I don't think that there's anything wrong with being a little spicy from time to time," he said. "Right now I feel pretty good about that."
Here's a sampling of the other responses to Thiessen's advice:
This is the dumbest take, in the history of dumb takes
— CaseyRyback (@icookalso) August 5, 2026
You mean the meal plan college students PAY for & sometimes can't opt out of?
— Erin O'Henry (@ErinOHenry) August 5, 2026
Most colleges tie their meal plans to campus housing. If they need campus housing, they can't opt out of the meal plan. And freshman are often REQ'D to live on campus their first year.
Go away.
Andrew Kolvet, whose initial post sparked the debate, later weighed in with evidence meant to support the $20 burrito narrative, though even in that scenario it included tax and tip.
NewsNation added these details:
"I had no idea what I was unleashing on the social media spheres," Kolvet, the spokesman for conservative organization Turning Point USA, told "On Balance" on Thursday.
He said the example of a burrito, a popular food staple, became "an avatar for this larger conversation" about prices.
His own take: It would be unwise for the GOP to adopt the dismissive approach used by former President Joe Biden.
"I think it is political malfeasance to ignore and deny the actual anxieties of voters, especially young voters," Kolvet said.
And here's some additional commentary:
What are your thoughts?
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