Vice President Kamala Harris's proposal to implement federal policies against price gouging in the food and grocery sectors and offer down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers has sparked significant debate. Critics like Republican Sen. Bill Hagerty and former President Donald Trump label her plans as 'socialism' and 'Soviet-style' policies, arguing that price controls historically lead to shortages and inflation rather than resolving economic issues. Conservative think tanks and food industry executives also oppose the proposal, attributing rising food costs to increased energy prices and regulatory burdens rather than corporate greed. Harris's defenders, however, argue that her measures focus on consumer protection and combating exploitative practices amid ongoing inflation. The debate underscores broader concerns over economic management and inflation in the lead-up to the U.S. presidential election.