US: 42 Million Risk Losing Food Benefits in Ongoing Shutdown

US: 42 Million Risk Losing Food Benefits in Ongoing Shutdown
Above: A Walgreens sign regarding SNAP benefits in Queens, New York on March 30, 2024. Image copyright: Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

The Spin

Democratic narrative

The Trump administration is weaponizing hunger by refusing to use available emergency funds to keep food assistance flowing. With $5 billion in SNAP contingency funds and the ability to transfer money between programs, the administration could prevent this crisis, but chooses political theater instead. This manufactured emergency puts 42 million Americans at risk just to pressure Democrats into abandoning health care protections.

Republican narrative

Democrats are forcing a government shutdown that threatens food assistance for 42 million Americans because they refuse to pass clean funding without unrelated health care demands. Military troops and law enforcement work without pay while Democrats hold SNAP benefits hostage for benefits for illegal migrants. This shutdown crisis exists solely because Democrats prioritize their political agenda over feeding vulnerable families.

Metaculus Prediction


Public Figures


The Controversies




© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.17.1

© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.17.1