Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) has leveled a serious accusation against President Donald Trump: he claims the President is deliberately withholding food stamp funding to inflict suffering on American families. This blame game is just another tactic in a pathetic political ploy by Senate Democrats.
While the Senate Democrats obstinately refuse to support the House’s clean continuing resolution (CR) aimed at reopening the government, Booker resorted to social media to chastise Trump for not releasing vital funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). His statements border on the absurd, as he calls for the release of money to ensure “children, vulnerable people, and our neighbors” have food.
In a video, Booker stated, “The Trump administration has sent notices to every single state, including New Jersey, that they are going to stop paying SNAP payments.” This assertion is outrageous, especially considering the billions in available resources the administration has at its disposal. How can he claim funds are unavailable when they are clearly there?
Booker referenced an article that argued the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) should tap into its contingency fund to sustain SNAP payments, which are set to run out on November 1. He misrepresents the larger picture, failing to recognize that responsible financial management should come before handouts.
“SNAP is a lifeline for 42 million Americans, disproportionately children, to pay for food assistance for them,” he blusters. While he claims that over 850,000 in his state depend on SNAP, it’s critical to ask: is this really about them, or is this just a political maneuver aimed at amplifying outrage?
He insists, “This isn’t about politics; this is about people.” Yet, if it truly were, why aren’t Democrats engaging in good-faith negotiations? They continue to reject any GOP-led discussions aimed at resolving this situation.
Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are not sitting idly by. They are pushing forward with a proposal introduced by Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) that would ensure SNAP is funded throughout the shutdown. This is an affirmative step toward protecting American families during uncertain times.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has indicated that options are being discussed, hitting back against Democrats’ refusal to negotiate. Hawley is even prepared to take his bill directly to the Senate floor if necessary. This is what leadership looks like—standing firm for the American people, not hiding behind political games.
In this urgent matter of food security for countless families, accountability is key. The American public deserves better than the finger-pointing and theatrics from the Democratic side of the aisle. It’s time for action, not excuses.
