SNAP Benefits Set to Expire, Head Start Programs Close as Government Shutdown Continues
Millions of Americans will see their food assistance benefits cut this weekend and early childhood education programs will begin to shutter as the government shutdown enters its sixth week with no immediate resolution in sight.
President Trump, speaking to reporters en route to Florida today, claimed Democrats are “hurting their own people” by blocking a funding extension, asserting that most SNAP recipients are Democrats. “You know, largely, when you talk about SNAP, you’re talking about largely Democrats,” Mr. Trump said. “But I’m president, I want to help everybody… But when you’re talking about SNAP, if you look, it’s largely Democrats. They’re hurting their own people.” This claim is unsubstantiated, as voting records of SNAP recipients are not tracked. The USDA reports that New Mexico, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Oregon currently have the highest percentage of residents relying on SNAP benefits. A recent analysis by Time found that 25 of the 30 states Mr. Trump won in 2024 have higher rates of SNAP participation than the national average.
The House of Representatives has canceled votes for next week, and will remain in a “district work period” as Speaker Mike Johnson awaits action from the Senate. Johnson stated he hadn’t spoken to the president since yesterday, but interpreted Trump’s comments as “an expression of the president’s anger at the situation.” Meanwhile, Head Start programs are already feeling the impact, with the Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program shuttering nine centers and a program in Richland Center, Wisconsin, closing its doors today. Approximately 140 Head Start programs nationwide, serving roughly 65,000 children, will lose federal funding beginning November 1st, impacting access to crucial early childhood development, health screenings, and nutritional support. You can learn more about the Head Start program on the Administration for Children and Families website.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins blamed Democrats for the impending SNAP freeze, stating the department cannot utilize a $5 billion contingency fund to cover November benefits. Rollins also claimed the shutdown has “shined a light” on how “bloated” the SNAP program has become, and indicated the administration is working with states to remove “illegal aliens” from the program. The White House announced today that U.S. military forces will be paid as scheduled, utilizing funds from military housing, research and development, and Navy procurement accounts. Officials say they are continuing to explore all available options to mitigate the impact of the shutdown, but warned that further delays will have increasingly severe consequences.
