Did Trump use tariff money to fund food stamps?
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No, the Trump administration did not use tariff money to fund SNAP (also called food stamps) during the 2025 government shutdown.
At that time, the Trump administration used emergency funds (or contingency funds) to partially pay SNAP benefits.
Unused tariff money went to support child nutrition programs, like WIC, but not SNAP.
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What is tariff money and how is it used?#what-is-tariff-money-and-how-is-it-used
Tariffs are taxes that the federal government charges on goods and services imported into the United States.
For example, when products like electronics or clothing are brought into the U.S., importers pay a tax on those items. The money from those taxes goes to the federal government, where it becomes part of the general federal budget.
This budget is used to pay for a wide range of government programs and services, like road repair, national defense, and education.
Some tariff money is set aside through the USDA’s Section 32 Account to fund child nutrition and food assistance programs. These funds helped WIC continue providing food and nutrition support to women, infants, and young children during the funding gap caused by the 2025 government shutdown.
How is SNAP funded?#how-is-snap-funded
SNAP benefits are funded through the regular federal budget process. Congress authorizes spending for SNAP through periodic legislation called the “Farm Bill.” Each year, Congress appropriates funding for SNAP benefits and operations.
And when there’s a government shutdown or a delay in passing a budget, SNAP has a backup plan, often called a contingency fund, that can be used to keep benefits going temporarily. That’s what the Trump administration used during the 2025 government shutdown to cover partial SNAP benefits.
Congress could technically use tariff money for SNAP, but that has never happened. During the shutdown, the Trump administration said it wouldn’t use tariff money to fully fund November 2025 SNAP benefits, arguing it was needed for other child nutrition programs.
How funding gaps can impact SNAP benefits#how-funding-gaps-can-impact-snap-benefits
Government funding delays can have a real impact on families relying on SNAP.
Households may face short-term disruptions, such as delayed or partial payments, and contingency funds can only cover benefits temporarily. These interruptions can make it harder to plan grocery shopping, manage monthly budgets, or get updates on applications and eligibility changes.
Keeping track of SNAP benefits during funding gaps can be challenging, but tools like Propel can make it easier for households to stay on top of payments, schedules, and program information.
With reliable support, SNAP recipients can better manage temporary disruptions.
