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White House Taps Tariff Revenue for WIC Amid Shutdown

10/10/2025

33 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The White House plans to use tariff revenue to fund the WIC program during the government shutdown after Congress failed to pass a budget, supporting nearly 7 million low-income women and children.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt calls it a "creative solution," while advocates urge long-term funding stability.
Legal experts question legality of reallocating tariff funds without congressional approval.

History

Historical Context

The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, enacted on June 17, 1930, raised tariffs on over 20,000 imported goods to protect U.S. industries but led to a 66% decline in international trade, worsening the Great Depression. Today, the White House's proposal to use tariff revenue for the WIC program highlights ongoing fiscal policy debates affecting nearly 7 million low-income women and children.

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Story summary

The White House plans to use tariff revenue to fund the WIC program during the government shutdown after Congress failed to pass a budget, supporting nearly 7 million low-income women and children.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt calls it a "creative solution," while advocates urge long-term funding stability.
Legal experts question legality of reallocating tariff funds without congressional approval.

1 / 2