White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, speaking on X, has publicly blamed Democratic lawmakers for the potential lapse in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), a critical federal initiative that provides nutrition assistance to millions of low-income mothers and children. According to Leavitt, the administration, under President Donald Trump, has decided to utilize funds from Section 232 tariffs to bridge the funding gap for WIC, calling this a short-term ‘creative solution.’ This move has drawn both criticism and scrutiny, as it represents an administrative workaround to maintain program operations during the ongoing government shutdown.
The White House has positioned itself as a protector of vulnerable families, asserting that the Trump administration will not allow mothers and children to face hunger due to political disagreements. The decision to use tariff money for WIC comes as part of broader efforts by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to address the funding crisis without waiting for congressional resolution. While the exact amount allocated to WIC has not been disclosed, the administration claims the infusion is expected to cover costs for the foreseeable future, preventing the program from exhausting its funds within weeks.
WIC, which serves over six million low-income individuals, plays a vital role in providing vouchers for healthy food, breastfeeding assistance, and nutrition education. The program’s budget for fiscal 2024 reached over $7 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The decision to use tariff revenues to sustain the program is seen by some as an emergency measure, while others argue it highlights the political stalemate between Democrats and Republicans. The White House has not provided details on how long the tariff funds will last or if additional support will be needed if Congress remains deadlocked. This situation underscores the ongoing tension between executive action and legislative gridlock in addressing critical social programs.