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Democrats Blast Trump for Withholding Food Aid Amid Shutdown

10/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Top House Democrats condemned President Donald Trump's administration for withholding food aid from millions of low-income Americans, calling the action callous and illegal.
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said the actions threaten 42 million children, seniors, and veterans.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has over $5 billion in a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) contingency fund but cannot use it due to the shutdown, and advocates argue this withholding is unlawful.

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Story summary

Top House Democrats condemned President Donald Trump's administration for withholding food aid from millions of low-income Americans, calling the action callous and illegal.
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said the actions threaten 42 million children, seniors, and veterans.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has over $5 billion in a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) contingency fund but cannot use it due to the shutdown, and advocates argue this withholding is unlawful.