The Trump administration temporarily suspends financial aid but maintains social assistance and the food assistance program
Donald Trump’s second term has brought a series of governmental changes, including an order from his administration to temporarily freeze federal grants and loans. The measure, implemented through a memorandum from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), took effect on Tuesday, although a federal judge temporarily suspended it.
The decision has generated concern among beneficiaries of various social programs, especially those who depend on food assistance (SNAP) and medical assistance (Medicaid). However, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre clarified that direct assistance programs will not be affected.
«Social Security benefits, Medicare benefits, food stamps, welfare benefits, and assistance that goes directly to people will not be affected by this pause,» Jean-Pierre stated.
She also emphasized that the Trump administration seeks to protect taxpayer money and maintain strict control over federal spending.
The Impact of the SNAP Program in the United States
One of the programs generating the most uncertainty is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), on which more than 42.1 million Americans rely to access healthy food.
According to AP data:
- Four out of five families benefiting from SNAP include a child, a person over 65 years old, or a person with a disability.
- In recent years, the federal government has allocated more than $110 billion annually to this program.
- Payments are made monthly through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, with an average deposit of $195 per person.
Despite the uncertainty caused by the grant freeze, the statements from the White House provide reassurance to millions of families who depend on food assistance to meet their basic needs.