Despite the ongoing government shutdown that has halted many services for at-need Americans, President Donald Trump just executed a clever move to help keep food on the table for millions of Americans despite the shutdown.
Late yesterday, the White House announced that it will use tariff revenue to avoid shutting off food benefits (known as WIC) for nearly 7 million mothers, pregnant women and young children.
“The Democrats are so cruel in their continual votes to shut down the government that they forced the WIC program for the most vulnerable women and children to run out this week,” press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement posted on X.
“Thankfully, President Trump and the White House have identified a creative solution to transfer resources from Section 232 tariff revenue to this critical program. The Trump White House will not allow impoverished mothers and their babies to go hungry because of the Democrats’ political games.”
The Democrats are so cruel in their continual votes to shut down the government that they forced the WIC program for the most vulnerable women and children to run out this week.
Thankfully, President Trump and the White House have identified a creative solution to transfer… https://t.co/tj9Xt7f4yQ
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) October 7, 2025
The WIC program — officially called the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children — provides funds to low-income families to supplement food purchases until a child’s fifth birthday.
WIC benefits are loaded onto debit cards, but rules restrict users to purchasing baby formula and approved foods like eggs, fruits, milk, vegetables and yogurt.
The program had been expected to run out of funds as early as this week. The exact amount of tariff money to be used has not yet been disclosed, but the infusion is expected to cover costs “for the foreseeable future.”
According to reports, WIC operated with an appropriation of $7.6 billion in fiscal 2025, which ended Sept. 30 — making its cost about $146 million per week.
Tariffs boosted by Trump have brought in $190 billion so far this year — much of it under Section 232, which allows for the president to impose levies for national security reasons.
Democrats have criticized Republicans in past budget fights over WIC eligibility and funding levels.
The White House did not say how long tariff funds will last or whether another infusion would be needed if Congress remains deadlocked.
One official told Axios that the transfer was a temporary fix to protect vulnerable families while negotiations continue.