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President Trump’s SNAP Claim Verified Amid Government Shutdown Concerns
President Donald Trump declared at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit that more than 600,000 Americans have stopped receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits since his administration took office in January. Speaking to business executives in Gyeongju, South Korea on Wednesday, Trump cited this statistic as part of what he characterized as major economic achievements during his second term.
The claim comes at a sensitive time for the federal food assistance program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently confirmed that November SNAP benefits will not be distributed on time due to the ongoing government shutdown that began October 1. The shutdown, triggered when senators failed to reach an agreement on a continuing resolution for government funding, has halted nonessential federal services and programs dependent on federal funding.
Data from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service supports Trump’s assertion. Between January and May 2025, the number of Americans receiving SNAP benefits decreased by 645,315 people – from 42,380,525 to 41,735,210 recipients nationwide.
However, context is important. The decline in SNAP participation actually began before Trump returned to office. Records show that recipient numbers have been falling steadily since October 2024, three months before his January inauguration. In total, SNAP enrollment has decreased by more than 1.5 million people between October 2024 and May 2025.
The President did not elaborate on reasons behind this significant reduction during his 45-minute address. Experts note that decreases in program participation can stem from multiple factors, including improved economic conditions, changes in eligibility requirements, administrative barriers, or shifts in application processes. The USDA has not provided official explanations for the recent enrollment decline.
Meanwhile, the government shutdown has created immediate concerns for the nearly 42 million low- and no-income Americans who depend on SNAP. The USDA has declined to utilize contingency funds to maintain benefit payments into November, a decision that has prompted legal challenges from state officials concerned about food security for vulnerable populations.
Food assistance programs like SNAP represent a crucial safety net for millions of American families. The program provides monthly benefits to eligible households through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which can be used to purchase groceries at authorized retailers. Benefits are calculated based on household size, income, and certain expenses.
The current disruption highlights the complex relationship between federal programs and political negotiations. With the shutdown continuing and no immediate resolution in sight, state agencies and nonprofit organizations are scrambling to identify alternative resources for families who may face food insecurity without their expected benefits.
Nutrition policy experts emphasize that sudden interruptions in food assistance can have cascading effects on household stability, particularly for families with children, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities. Food banks across the country are already reporting increased demand in anticipation of delayed benefit payments.
The timing of Trump’s announcement – highlighting reduced program participation during a period when the program itself faces operational challenges – underscores the often competing political narratives surrounding federal assistance programs.
While the President’s specific claim about reducing SNAP enrollment by over 600,000 people is factually accurate according to available data, the full context of this reduction and its implications for American families remains a subject of ongoing analysis and debate among policymakers and social welfare experts.
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5 Comments
The decrease in SNAP recipients is noteworthy, but the timing with the government shutdown raises concerns about access to vital food assistance. It will be important to monitor the situation closely.
A 645,000 drop in SNAP enrollment is a significant shift. I’m curious to learn more about the specific policies or economic factors that led to this change, and how it impacts low-income families.
It’s interesting to see the data on changes in SNAP enrollment under the Trump administration. While the overall trend is a decrease, I’d be curious to know more about the specific factors that led to this reduction.
The SNAP program provides an important safety net for many Americans. While decreasing enrollment may seem positive, it’s crucial to ensure those who still need assistance can access it, especially during government shutdowns.
Fact-checking the president’s claims is always important, and the data appears to support his statement on the SNAP enrollment reduction. However, the context around this change is still worth exploring further.