A Capitol Hill hearing on tariffs and trade policy turned unexpectedly hilarious when Rep. Maline Dean demanded answers about the cost of bananas—only to be reminded by Secretary Lutnik that “you can’t build bananas in America.” The viral moment exposed the absurdity of blanket trade policies and proved, once again, that Washington drama is never short on comedy.

You Can’t Build Bananas in America”: Capitol Hill’s Tariff Showdown Delivers Comedy and Chaos

In a Capitol Hill hearing that quickly veered from heated economic debate to unintentional comedy, the topic of bananas became the unlikely star. What began as a serious conversation about tariffs, trade deficits, and economic stability turned into a viral moment—complete with a congresswoman shouting, “We cannot build bananas in America!”

Tariffs, Trade Deficits, and Total Confusion

The hearing opened with Rep. Maline Dean launching a full-throated attack on President Trump’s chaotic tariff policies and fixation on trade deficits. Dean painted a picture of confusion and instability, claiming that businesses, banks, retailers, and even foreign chambers of commerce were all struggling to plan for the future amid unpredictable and ever-changing trade rules.

“Stability is the foundation of economic growth,” Dean asserted. “Businesses need clear and predictable rules to plan and invest for the future. But this administration’s tariff madness has created a level of uncertainty we haven’t seen since COVID.”

She cited constituents and business leaders who complained that they couldn’t figure out how to hire, expand, or even lend money. “The first word out of the mouth of a major retailer this morning was ‘uncertainty,’ and the last thing she said was ‘uncertainty’—all because of tariffs.”

The Banana Moment

But it was Dean’s attempt to corner Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnik on the subject of bananas that stole the show. “Bananas. What’s the tariff on bananas?” she demanded. Lutnik replied calmly, “Generally 10%.” Dean fired back, “Walmart has already increased the cost of bananas by 8%,” as if exposing a major scandal.

Lutnik, unphased, delivered the administration’s mantra: “If you build in America and you produce your product in America, there will be no tariff.” Dean, exasperated, snapped, “We cannot build bananas in America!”

The room shifted—some out of frustration, others barely suppressing laughter. The phrase “build bananas” instantly became a meme-worthy moment, highlighting the absurdity of applying blanket trade policies to products that simply cannot be domestically produced.

Economic Theatrics and Calm Counterpunches

Throughout the hearing, Dean tried to lecture Lutnik on the realities of trade deficits, even comparing her own spending at the grocery store and hairdresser to the nation’s trade balance. “A trade deficit isn’t something to fear,” she argued. “It just means we’re buying more.”

Lutnik listened politely, but when given the chance to respond, he calmly dismissed the panic. “There’s no uncertainty,” he assured the committee. “We’re negotiating deals with dozens of countries. If products are made in America, there are no tariffs. The confusion you describe doesn’t match the reality.”

His measured response landed like a counterpunch, exposing the weakness in Dean’s fiery rhetoric and resetting the tone of the hearing.

Fiscal Responsibility Takes the Stage

After Dean’s time expired, another representative stepped in, shifting the conversation from trade drama to fiscal discipline. He praised Lutnik’s public service, especially his work with the Navy, and applauded the administration’s budget cuts.

“Washington has an addiction problem,” the congressman declared. “It’s an addiction to OPM—Other People’s Money.” He lauded Trump’s budget for slashing non-defense spending and eliminating duplicative programs, contrasting sharply with Dean’s economic theatrics.

The Verdict: Comedy and Chaos in Equal Measure

The hearing ended as one of the most memorable—and meme-able—exchanges of the session. Dean charged in full force, Lutnik batted down her arguments with calm precision, and the debate over whether bananas can be “built” in America became an instant classic.

The moment perfectly captured Washington’s unique ability to deliver both drama and comedy in the same sentence. As the narrator quipped, “If this hearing proves anything, it’s that Capitol Hill never fails to deliver both.”

So, next time you see the price of bananas go up, just remember: in Washington, even fruit can spark a legendary economic showdown.