Trump Administration Halts SNAP Payments: Hunger Risk and Calls for Reversal

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a major federal executive department tasked with leadership in food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and food safety. Founded in 1862 by President Abraham Lincoln as "The People’s Department," its initial mission was to support farmers through research and seed distribution. Over time, USDA's role has expanded significantly to address modern agricultural production, conservation, rural prosperity, and nutrition assistance[1][2][5]. USDA operates through 29 agencies organized into eight key mission areas: Farm Production and Conservation; Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services; Food Safety; Marketing and Regulatory Programs; Natural Resources and Environment; Research, Education, and Economics; Rural Development; and Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs[1]. It employs about 100,000 people across roughly 4,500 locations, managing a budget of approximately $467 billion for FY 2024, making it one of the largest federal departments[1]. Notable achievements include pioneering agricultural research, launching the Cooperative Extension Service in 1914, implementing New Deal programs during the 1930s, and establishing major nutrition programs such as the Food Stamp Program (now SNAP) in the 1960s. The USDA also oversees the largest federal land manager, the United States Forest Service, which administers national forests and grasslands comprising about 25% of federal lands[2][5]. Currently, USDA focuses on fostering innovation in sustainable agriculture and biotechnology, enhancing rural economic development including renewable energy and broadband access, and ensuring food safety and nutrition for Americans. It supports small- and medium-sized farms through Sustainable Agricultural Research and Education grants and plays a critical role in food security both domestically and internationally[1][4]. In business and technology contexts, USDA's integration of science-based policy, research, and technology transfer drives agricultural productivity and rural modernization. Its efforts to balance environmental stewardship with economic growth exemplify federal leadership in managing complex food and natural resource systems amid climat

The **Trump administration** refers to the executive branch of the U.S. federal government during Donald J. Trump’s presidency, initially from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021, and resuming with his second term starting in 2025. It was characterized by a mix of aggressive domestic policies, significant judicial appointments, and a distinct foreign policy approach that emphasized "America First" principles[4][8]. The administration’s key activities included **tax reform**, notably passing the $3.2 trillion Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which represented the largest overhaul of the U.S. tax code in decades[5]. Trump also renegotiated trade agreements with major economies including Mexico, Canada, China, Japan, and South Korea, prioritizing bilateral deals over multilateral ones such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which the administration withdrew from early on[1][2]. The administration sought to protect American jobs by restricting cheap foreign labor and influencing agencies like the Tennessee Valley Authority to retain American workers[5]. On the judicial front, the Trump administration appointed over 200 federal judges, including three Supreme Court justices—Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett—shaping the judiciary for years to come[4]. These appointments were among the most significant achievements, influencing U.S. law on multiple fronts. In foreign policy, the administration pursued a controversial agenda: it imposed travel bans on several predominantly Muslim countries, withdrew U.S. troops from northern Syria, and supported Saudi Arabia militarily despite congressional opposition related to the Yemen conflict[1][3]. It also fostered new international technology alliances, such as securing commitments from allies to exclude Chinese telecom giant Huawei from 5G infrastructure and signing AI cooperation agreements with the UK[5]. The Trump administration faced substantial political turmoil, including two impeachments by the House of Representatives—first in 2019 over Ukraine dealings, and again in 2021 following the January