The Government Plot to Invent Stuffed-Crust Pizza: An Investigation | PTFO
Short Summary:
This video investigates the internet conspiracy theory claiming the US government invented stuffed-crust pizza to use up surplus cheese from government stockpiles. The investigation delves into the history of government cheese programs, exploring the massive cheese surpluses of the 1980s and the role of government agencies like Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) in promoting cheese consumption. While the initial theory is debunked – stuffed crust pizza predates DMI's formation – the investigation reveals DMI's significant influence on the food industry, including its involvement in developing new cheese-heavy menu items for major fast-food chains. The video uses interviews, historical research, and analysis of advertising campaigns to trace the complex relationship between government policy, the dairy industry, and the American diet. The process of investigation itself is a key element, showcasing the journey from online conspiracy to verifiable facts.
Detailed Summary:
The video begins by introducing the viral TikTok video by "Pablo Cupcake the Destroyer 21," which claims the US government bought excessive cheese to save the dairy industry, leading to the invention of stuffed-crust pizza to utilize the surplus. The hosts then embark on a fact-finding mission.
Section 1: The Government Cheese Conspiracy: The initial section lays out the core conspiracy theory: the government, to save the dairy industry, purchased massive amounts of cheese, storing it in "cheese caves," and then pressured pizza chains to incorporate more cheese into their products, resulting in stuffed-crust pizza. The hosts mention a 2010 New York Times article referencing a memo from Pizza Hut executives thanking government partners for their collaboration. A Netflix documentary reenactment is also referenced.
Section 2: The History of Government Cheese: This section explores the historical context, tracing the US government's involvement in the dairy industry back to the Great Depression. The government's price supports for dairy farmers, starting in the 1930s, created an oversupply. Jimmy Carter's campaign promise to address the issue and the resulting billions of dollars in subsidies are highlighted. The conversion of surplus milk into cheese for longer storage is explained. The video shows advertisements from the 1980s promoting cheese consumption.
Section 3: The Search for Cheese Caves: The hosts' attempt to locate the legendary "government cheese caves" is detailed. They contact the author of the New York Times article and visit Subtropolis, a massive underground facility in Kansas City. However, they discover that Subtropolis, while storing various items, does not contain government cheese, and that government cheese stockpiles have been largely depleted.
Section 4: Dairy Management Inc. (DMI): This section reveals the role of DMI, a non-profit organization overseen by the USDA, in promoting cheese consumption. DMI uses advertising campaigns, collaborations with food scientists embedded in major food chains (e.g., Taco Bell's Quesalupa), and influencer marketing to increase cheese sales. The Supreme Court's 2005 ruling classifying DMI's speech as government speech is discussed. The video highlights the significant increase in per capita cheese consumption in the US.
Section 5: Debunking the Stuffed-Crust Pizza Origin: The hosts interview Tom Ryan, the creator of the original Pizza Hut stuffed-crust pizza. Ryan confirms that the invention predates DMI's existence and that no government officials were involved. He explains the logic behind the invention as a way to increase the perceived value of the pizza. The video then clarifies that while DMI was not involved in the original stuffed-crust pizza, it did later collaborate with Pizza Hut on variations like the "cheesy bites" pizza.
Section 6: The Unexpected Twist – Stuffed Crust Pizza and Donald Trump: The final section reveals that the initial Pizza Hut stuffed-crust pizza ad featuring Pete Rose was never aired. Instead, a later campaign featuring Donald Trump was used, marking Trump's first major national advertising campaign and providing a financial lifeline during his bankruptcy. The video concludes with a humorous reflection on the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate events, emphasizing the unexpected twists and turns of the investigation. The hosts then enjoy the pizza, eating it "crust first."