A woman in New York State has expressed regret over her vote for President Donald Trump following disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) caused by the ongoing federal government shutdown. Betty Szretter, 63, a caregiver for her daughter who relies on SNAP benefits, criticized the administration’s priorities during this crisis, stating, “It all seems very selfish.”
The SNAP program supports approximately 42 million low- and no-income Americans, providing federal funds to help with grocery purchases. However, the current shutdown, which has now entered its second month, has led to significant disruptions in these benefits, drawing increasing scrutiny of the Trump administration’s handling of the situation.
Szretter told NBC News that she is now inclined to support a Democratic candidate in future elections to safeguard the benefits she believes Trump wishes to cut. Her daughter, Hannah Szretter, 26, also shared her concerns, explaining that she depends on SNAP to manage her Type 1 diabetes. “If I don’t get the food, I won’t be able to control my numbers,” Hannah emphasized, highlighting the severe health risks associated with losing this assistance.
On November 1, 2023, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it would not issue SNAP benefits due to the shutdown, stating on its website that “the well has run dry.” Following legal intervention, the USDA later revealed it would allocate $4.65 billion from a contingency fund to cover half of November’s food stamp benefits. Despite this, USDA official Patrick Penn cautioned that some states might experience delays in receiving these funds.
In response to the growing crisis, President Trump took to Truth Social, asserting, “I do NOT want Americans to go hungry just because the Radical Democrats refuse to do the right thing and REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT.” He indicated that he had instructed legal teams to seek clarification on how SNAP could be funded legally during this impasse.
The USDA’s court filing regarding the contingency fund allocation included a concerning note: “No funds will remain for new SNAP applicants certified in November, disaster assistance, or as a cushion against the potential catastrophic consequences of shutting down SNAP entirely.” This statement underscores the precarious situation facing many families reliant on these crucial benefits.
Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar condemned the administration’s approach, declaring that it is insufficient to merely fulfill basic obligations. She urged the government to stop “playing politics with hunger” and to utilize all resources available to ensure that Americans can access food.
The exact timeline for resolving the federal government shutdown remains uncertain, leaving many families in a precarious position regarding their food security. The ongoing situation serves as a stark reminder of the real-world impacts political decisions can have on vulnerable populations.
