Trump Administration’s Food-Aid Policies Face Growing Scrutiny

During his second term, President Donald Trump shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Congress enacted the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), cutting $187 billion from SNAP and expanding work-hour eligibility to adults 55-64, parents of minors, homeless individuals, veterans and former foster youth. Trump later posted “TRUMP’S MAKING FOOD AFFORDABLE” on Truth Social, citing price drops for selected items.

CNBC

SNAP enrollment fell 9 % (?3.5 million) from July to February; state losses include Arizona (-51 %), Louisiana (-20 %), Tennessee (-16 %) and Virginia (-15 %). The CBO projects $187 billion in SNAP cuts over ten years, the largest reduction ever. The CPI shows grocery prices up 2.9 % in April. Trump-cited price drops (e.g., avocados -19 %, cheese -5.6 %) contrast with BLS data showing egg prices down 39 % YoY and chicken breasts up 0.3 % YoY. A Lancet study warned the USAID shutdown could add over 14 million deaths.

Associated Press

WFP chief Cindy McCain told “Face the Nation” that USAID’s loss “has left us needing help” and urged a return to soft-power food aid. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said ?4 million people have been moved off SNAP, framing it as fraud reduction. The White House declined comment and defended the USAID shutdown as a cost-saving measure.

The Hill

CBPP and Common Dreams called the OBBBA “the biggest cut in SNAP history,” warning that reduced benefits “push families into food insecurity.” WFP officials cautioned the USAID shutdown could worsen Lancet-projected excess deaths. Advocacy groups said expanded work-hour rules “are problematic” for gig-economy and low-income workers.

CNBC

Arizona resident Rhonda Keene, 60, said a “mountain of paperwork” stalled her SNAP application for months, forcing reliance on family. Tucson single mother Angelica G. said rising tariffs and the Iran war “push families like mine over the edge.” Kansas Appleseed’s Haley Kottler reported over 21,000 children losing school-meal access after SNAP cuts.

Common Dreams

Trump’s claim of falling grocery prices conflicts with the BLS CPI, which shows a 2.9 % rise. His cited 90 % egg-price drop contrasts with BLS data showing a 39 % YoY decline and a 60 % fall from the March 2025 peak. Circana’s data were not provided to USDA.

Associated Press

• “TRUMP’S MAKING FOOD AFFORDABLE,” — Donald Trump, Truth Social post

Associated Press

• “I do — I am hoping, though, that eventually we can put back some of the soft power aspects that we were able to do, as well,” McCain responded.” — Cindy McCain, Executive Director, World Food Programme

The Hill

• “moved about 4 million off of SNAP,” — Brooke Rollins, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

Common Dreams

• “It's pretty humiliating.” — Rhonda Keene, Arizona SNAP applicant

CNBC

New York’s expanded work requirements start June 1; California expects 55-60 k monthly SNAP losses in October. Midterm elections will likely highlight food-affordability concerns; advocates urge congressional action to curb further cuts.

CNBC