Representative Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, ignited a social media firestorm with his remarks on affordability, suggesting those concerned about rising prices should "eat ramen" and "get a job."
The controversy began as part of a broader online discussion among conservatives about the affordability crisis. Pundit Matt Walsh had stated that many conservatives denying the crisis were "engaged in what I can only describe as an act of political suicide." Others, like Turning Point USA's Andrew Kolvet, shared anecdotal evidence of college students paying $20 for a burrito, a sentiment echoed by Washington Post columnist Marc Thiessen, who argued that college burritos are typically covered by meal plans.
Ben Shapiro, another conservative commentator, weighed in, stating, "We have enough problems as a country without insane expectations that the government is going to provide us gourmet-quality burritos." Vice President JD Vance also commented, reportedly mocking Thiessen's remarks about burritos.
Crenshaw entered the debate on X (formerly Twitter) with a post that read, "Just hearing about this dumb $20 burrito debate so just thought I’d make the losers on social media angry before going to bed." He continued, "Stop whining, get a job, eat Ramen like the rest of us did in college, on a budget with 4 roommates."
He further elaborated on his stance, asserting, "The market doesn’t care what you think something ‘should’ cost. Only communists care (they set prices remember? Then everyone starves, remember?) Are you a communist? Or are you an American adult male capable of handling his own shit?"
The congressman's remarks drew swift and significant backlash online. Many social media users criticized Crenshaw's perceived lack of empathy and questioned his own background. Some pointed out that he had lost a primary election earlier in the year and had previously defended his ability to buy defense stocks as a congressman, while never holding a private sector job. Others suggested his comments could serve as effective campaign material for the Democratic Party, highlighting his political standing.
One user posted, "Dan Crenshaw who lost his primary bid, defended his ability to buy defense stocks as a Congressman, and never had a private sector job has advice for families struggling with grocery bills." Another remarked, "The Republican Party is still dominated by traitors who got rich off of insider trading but mock you for thinking that you should be able to eat meat in a first world country."
Another critical post stated, "If you stupid whiny losers would just buy stock on inside information like I did you could afford as many burritos as you want." A user also questioned, "Hey Dan, great to hear your support for the free market, can you remind me how many entitlement programs you guys eliminated while you were in Congress?"
Further commentary suggested Crenshaw's approach was politically inept. One user advised, "Republicans: It would be wise not to take messaging advice from Dan Crenshaw. His own ‘messaging’ just got him beaten by double digits in a Republican primary in a deep-red Texas seat. He is politically incompetent and inept."