Trump’s USDA is hoarding $5 billion while starving Americans

 

In just two days — on November 1 — SNAP benefits run out. This will affect 42 million Americans, around 12% of the entire US population, who depend on the program for food. That includes millions of children, seniors, and disabled people. What’s even worse? The federal government is making a choice to do this.  They have billions of dollars sitting idle, ready to fund SNAP in an emergency.  That money is at the USDA, and it’s there for exactly this purpose. But Trump and his cronies are refusing to release the money. Why? POWER. It’s a move straight out of the kleptocratic playbook. HELP FUND DEKLEPTOCRACY Authoritarian kleptocracies frequently manipulate food supplies to reward loyalty and punish dissent. Let’s be real — the USDA income limits for SNAP are absurdly low. These are not people who can find room in the budget elsewhere or skip Starbucks.  They were already eating beans and rice. States are doing their best to fight back; so far, 25 states and D.C. are suing the USDA to force them to act, and it’s possible the decision could be reversed.  But Trump’s intentions are clear for all to see. He’s using hungry kids as a bargaining chip in the ongoing shutdown, and he’s happy to starve the American people and critical programs as he consolidates power for himself. And earlier this year, the USDA was already sued for demanding sensitive SNAP data that could be weaponized for immigration enforcement.  This is a pattern of abuse for Trump’s administration. Preying on, targeting, and relentlessly pursuing the most vulnerable. Donald Trump is an authoritarian kleptocrat. His main focus is on enriching himself and his cronies; his goals in office have nothing to do with the welfare of the nation. As citizens, we have to be the ones looking out for the welfare of our nation now. At Dekleptocracy, we’re here to root out this corruption — with your help. HELP FUND OUR WORK Trump’s regime of corruption is becoming even more bold and more destructive. That means we have to be louder and expand our reach further. If you believe it’s critical to empower Dekleptocracy to continue monitoring this criminal administration, help us expand our work with a contribution today. Your donation of $10, $25, $100, or any amount will allow us to continue our investigations. As we watch Trump’s administration take food from the mouths of hungry kids, we must pay attention to the element of money and power. We can’t allow them to operate with impunity. Thank you, Kristofer Harrison President, Dekleptocracy Alliance DONATE TODAY           Dekleptocracy Alliance is a Texas based 501(c)(4) following the authoritarians’ money. We’re on a mission to protect democracy and the rule of law by providing critical research, analysis, and solutions to governments, businesses, civil society, and the public. Support our work and keep us independent: DONATE >> Paid for by The Dekleptocracy Alliance, a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. Copyright (C) 2025, Dekleptocracy Alliance. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Dekleptocracy Alliance PO Box 6580 2850 South Quincy Arlington VA, 22206-9998