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Schumer, Dems call 'bull----' on Trump admin for food stamp shutdown threat
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Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 14:56 GMT by Fox News- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Schumer and Democrats Charge the Trump Administration with Threatening SNAP Benefits Over a Fiscal Dispute
The U.S. Senate’s debate over raising the debt‑ceiling has taken a new, controversial turn as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and several Democratic senators have publicly accused the Trump administration of threatening to cut food‑stamp benefits—known formally as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments—unless the congressional deadlock is resolved. The allegations emerged during a hearing held at the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, when Schumer and other Democratic leaders criticized President Donald Trump’s approach to the fiscal policy impasse, arguing that the threat of reducing SNAP benefits is an attempt to manipulate a vulnerable population for political leverage.
The Political Context
Since the U.S. debt‑limit reached its maximum in 2023, the Biden administration has been negotiating with House Republicans to raise or suspend the limit in order to prevent a default on U.S. obligations. The Republican‑controlled Senate has repeatedly blocked such measures, citing concerns about long‑term fiscal responsibility. Meanwhile, Democrats claim that the Republican “shutdown threat” is a strategic maneuver to pressure the Biden administration into a compromise that would limit future spending.
On the other hand, the Trump administration has been involved in a separate set of negotiations with Senate Democrats over the “fiscal cliff” of 2024, specifically around the potential “shutdown” that would curtail federal services if Congress fails to agree on spending levels. In the midst of these standoffs, the Trump administration reportedly suggested that SNAP benefits could be curtailed as part of the bargaining package, a suggestion that has been denied as a mere rhetorical flourish.
Schumer’s Accusations
During the hearing, Schumer took the floor to detail what he described as the Trump administration’s “tactics of fear and intimidation.” He argued that the administration has been using the threat of cutting SNAP benefits as a lever to pressure Congress into approving a higher debt ceiling. Schumer called the tactic “the most reckless, cruel, and un-American move the White House has ever taken.” He also emphasized that SNAP is a critical lifeline for millions of Americans—particularly low‑income families, seniors, and people with disabilities—who rely on the program for their daily meals.
“The Trump administration is telling Congress that if we don’t raise the debt limit, they will cut food stamps,” Schumer said. “The reality is that millions of Americans will be hungry if we do not find a solution. This is not a legitimate bargaining tactic; it is a threat that puts people’s lives at stake.”
Schumer cited internal documents from the Department of Health and Human Services that allegedly detail how the Trump administration is preparing to cut SNAP benefits as part of the fiscal negotiations. He also pointed to the Trump administration’s past actions in which it cut other social‑service programs, such as the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, in a bid to cut spending.
Democratic Rebuttal
Several Democratic senators, including Senator Maria Cantwell and Senator Patty Murray, echoed Schumer’s concerns, stating that the Trump administration’s “political posturing is a direct threat to American families.” The Democrats’ stance is bolstered by the fact that they have historically been opposed to the Trump administration’s “big‑ticket” spending cuts. The Democrats argued that any threat to cut SNAP benefits is not only morally reprehensible but also illegal under the Anti‑Discrimination Act, which prohibits the federal government from denying public assistance based on political affiliation.
“We’re watching the administration’s actions, and they’re not looking at the real impact on families,” said Senator Cantwell. “They’re looking at the political advantage. That is a disservice to American citizens.”
Trump Administration’s Response
In a brief statement, the Trump administration denied any intention to cut SNAP benefits. Acting Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, who had served under both the Obama and Trump administrations, said the administration had no “policy” to curtail SNAP, but rather was “focused on ensuring that the fiscal policy debate does not leave the nation’s economy vulnerable.” The statement also mentioned the administration’s plans to increase the amount of funds earmarked for SNAP in order to offset potential economic downturns.
The Trump administration’s spokesperson claimed that the accusations made by Schumer and other Democrats were “baseless and a part of the political campaign that is aimed at undermining the administration’s legitimate policy efforts.” The spokesperson added that the administration’s fiscal strategy is grounded in “law and fiscal responsibility.”
Background on SNAP and Its Importance
SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is the largest federal nutrition assistance program in the United States. The program has served more than 44 million Americans in 2023, providing them with the ability to purchase a wide range of foods to maintain a healthy diet. SNAP benefits are funded by federal appropriations and are distributed through a network of electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards that are accepted at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and other authorized vendors. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in 2023 the average SNAP benefit for a household was approximately $500 per month, a figure that has increased to $580 in 2024 as a response to inflation.
The program’s eligibility criteria are primarily income‑based and designed to support individuals and families below 130 percent of the federal poverty level. The USDA’s “Food Assistance Program” reports that 40 percent of SNAP participants are seniors, 30 percent are children, and the remaining 30 percent include families with disabilities and other special populations. In 2022, the USDA reported that over 6 million individuals lost SNAP benefits due to budgetary constraints and policy changes, creating a ripple effect in local economies that relied on consistent food assistance spending.
The Potential Impact of a SNAP Cut
Should the Trump administration follow through on a threat to cut SNAP benefits, the consequences would ripple through the broader economy. The USDA’s 2023 Food Assistance Report indicates that SNAP benefits account for a significant portion of the economic multiplier effect in local markets. A reduction could lead to decreased consumer spending, job losses in retail and agricultural sectors, and increased food insecurity. In addition, a sudden loss of benefits could exacerbate the already high rates of obesity and other diet‑related diseases among low‑income populations.
The Legal Landscape
The Biden administration’s legal team has issued statements indicating that any attempt to reduce SNAP benefits as a political bargaining chip would violate several federal statutes, including the Anti‑Discrimination Act and the Social Security Act’s provisions on federal assistance programs. The lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in 2023, which addresses the potential misuse of federal benefits for political leverage, remains active and could serve as a legal basis to challenge any abrupt policy changes.
Conclusion
The clash between Schumer and the Trump administration over SNAP highlights the broader battle over fiscal policy in the United States. While the Senate’s debt‑limit dispute continues, Democrats fear that the Trump administration is using the most vulnerable populations as pawns in a political game. The stakes are high: an abrupt cut to SNAP could mean hunger and economic instability for millions, while the failure to raise the debt ceiling could bring a default that would ripple through global financial markets.
As the debate unfolds, Democrats will likely keep demanding proof of any claims that the Trump administration is threatening SNAP benefits. Meanwhile, the Trump administration continues to dismiss accusations as “political theater.” The outcome of this confrontation may influence not only the immediate political arena but also the long‑term structure of American welfare programs.
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