The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Monday there is no truth to Republicans’ claim that part of President Biden’s climate plan includes a ban of red meat.
“This is a fabrication. There is no such effort or policy that exists by this Administration. It’s not a part of the climate plan nor the emissions targets. It is not real,” a USDA spokesperson told The Hill.
Larry Kudlow said on his Fox Business show on Friday that Biden’s climate plan is coming for American meat, sparking fumes from lawmakers like Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.).
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack also denied there is an effort to limit red meat consumption.
“There is no effort designed to limit people’s intake of beef coming out of President Biden’s White House or USDA,” Vilsack said during a virtual briefing hosted by the North American Agricultural Journalists, according to Politico. “Sometimes in the political world, games get played and issues are injected into the conversation knowing full well that there’s no factual basis.”
Greene tweeted about “the Hamburglar” and Boebert said, “Why doesn’t Joe stay out of my kitchen?”
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) also tweeted, saying: “Not gonna happen in Texas.”
“No burger on July 4. No steaks on the barbecue. I’m sure Middle America is just going to love that. Can you grill those Brussels sprouts? So get ready,” Kudlow said Friday night, referring to a study from the University of Michigan about Biden’s climate plan targets. “You can throw back a plant-based beer with your grilled Brussels sprouts and wave your American flag. Call it ‘July 4th Green.’”
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Sunday tweeted that he was having a “plant-based beer,” following Kudlow’s comment.