Trump’s Shutdown Pushes 40 Million Americans Off SNAP as Health Costs Soar

October 28, 2025

The article reports on a government shutdown that has halted SNAP benefits for over 40 million Americans in November, while President Trump redirects taxpayer funds to personal projects including a $300 million White House ballroom and aid to Argentina. The Trump administration refuses to use SNAP's emergency contingency fund, claiming the shutdown was "manufactured by Democrats," despite legal requirements to maintain benefits during shutdowns. Democratic leaders condemn the move as cruel and unlawful, particularly as health insurance premiums simultaneously double for millions on subsidized plans.

Who is affected

More than 40 million SNAP recipients, including 16 million children, 8 million older adults, and 4 million people with disabilities
Millions of Americans relying on subsidized health insurance plans facing doubled premiums
Families living below the poverty line who depend on rental assistance and medical coverage
Predominantly white, working-class families in rural counties (79% of counties with increased food stamp use between 2010-2020 voted for Trump)
Recipients across racial groups: 44.6% non-Hispanic white, 27% Black, and 22% Hispanic Americans

What action is being taken

SNAP benefits are not being distributed in November
Trump is spending $300 million on a new White House ballroom and has demolished the East Wing
The administration is rerouting $100 million to cover military salaries through a private loyalist
$40 billion in aid is being sent to Argentina
The Trump administration is refusing to tap SNAP's multi-billion-dollar contingency fund
Families are lining up at food banks

Why it matters

This represents the largest reduction in SNAP history (an estimated $186 billion cut through the "One Big Ugly Bill Act"), affecting 1 in 8 Americans who rely on these benefits to make ends meet. Every dollar in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 in economic activity, meaning the shutdown harms both vulnerable families and the broader economy. The crisis demonstrates a deliberate policy choice to eliminate social safety net programs while redirecting funds to personal projects and foreign aid, disproportionately impacting the working-class constituencies that supported the administration. The refusal to use legally mandated emergency reserves contradicts the USDA's own guidance and sets a dangerous precedent for future crises.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer