Overview
- A video posted Tuesday by MeidasTouch reporter Pablo Manríquez shows Rep. Troy Nehls on the Capitol steps saying he plans to eat “a couple of big lobster tails” and “some nice ribeyes” over the July 4 holiday.
- When asked if the roughly 60% of Americans who live paycheck to paycheck could afford those meals, Nehls replied, “Maybe not. Maybe the 60% of Americans don’t work as hard as I do either.”
- News outlets say Nehls has not issued an apology or correction and the clip has been widely mocked and criticized on social media and by commentators, including former Trump White House communications official Sarah Matthews.
- Coverage notes the exchange came against recent economic data showing May inflation at about 4.2% year‑over‑year and higher fuel costs, and Nehls attributed price rises to the Iran conflict while calling them temporary and accusing companies of gouging.
- Nehls, a Texas Republican, former sheriff and vocal Trump ally who was elected in 2021 and announced he will retire at term end, now faces a moment that could deepen concerns about GOP empathy and offer Democrats fresh fodder on affordability.