Trump Administration Proposes Using Tariff Funds to Support Food Aid During Government Shutdown

The federal government shutdown is now entering its second week, and the Trump administration says it has a plan to help millions of Americans who rely on food assistance. President Donald Trump announced he wants to use revenue generated from trade tariffs to fund the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which supports about 7 million pregnant women, new mothers, and young children across the country.

The move comes as WIC funding nears exhaustion due to the ongoing budget impasse in Congress. However, experts warn that the proposal could face major roadblocks. Tariff funds are deposited into a general fund managed by the U.S. Treasury Department, which is currently frozen until lawmakers pass a new funding bill to reopen the government.

To make the plan work, Congress and the administration would need to pass a measure designating the tariff revenue specifically for the WIC program.

While the White House says the move would offer relief to struggling families, critics question the legality of redirecting tariff funds without congressional approval. The shutdown, which has already affected federal workers and services nationwide, shows no signs of ending soon.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.