Earlier this week, Congressional Democrats made such an embarrassing mistake when it came to one of the world’s most famous fruits that could justify the IQ test of a particular member of Congress.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick testified before the House Budget Committee on Thursday to protect Trump’s tariff policies when Madeline Dean (D-PA) decided to lock him up with questions about tariffs on bananas while holding fruit.
After Lutnick calmly stated his response (10%), Dean fought back, saying Walmart has already increased tariffs. Undevoured Ratnic pointed out that there are no tariffs on people who manufacture in America.
Shortly after Lutnick’s remarks, Dean met in comments that were news to people from several states, including Hawaii and Florida.
clock:
This happened today too:
Rep. Dean: “What are the banana tariffs?”
Lutnick: “Generally 10%.”
Rep. Dean: “Walmart is already increasing the costs of bananas by 8%.”
Lutnick: “If we build America, there will be no tariffs.”
Rep. Dean: “You can’t make bananas in America.” pic.twitter.com/pgizo0uyog
– Open Source Intel (@osint613) June 5th, 2025
Transcript:
Dean: What are the banana duties? By the way, Americans love bananas… what are the tariffs on bananas?
Lutnick: Tariffs on bananas will represent the countries that produce them.
Dean: What is that tariff?
Lutnick: Generally 10%.
Dean: Walmart has already increased the cost of bananas by 8%.
Lutnick: If the country is dealing with us, that tariff will be zero…
Dean: But the cost is now for American consumers…MR. Secretary, I believe you know better. I think you realize that there is nothing to fear about a trade deficit… I would like you to show this administration the truth.
Lutnick: There is no uncertainty when building America. There are no customs duties.
Dean: You can’t produce bananas in America… You can’t make bananas in America.
The truth is that bananas have been cultivated in America for decades. Established 1876 in Florida near Lake Silver.
Several bananas are grown today situationHawaii produces the most. Florida is second.
other situationCalifornia, Texas, Louisiana, Arizona, and other bananas also produce, but due to the climate it is not close to the scale of Hawaii or Florida.
Florida is also a major player Exporter Specialized bananas, especially bananas in Thailand and cooking.
