U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to use tariff revenues to temporarily fund the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program, which provides nutritional assistance to low-income mothers and children. The move comes as the government shutdown drags on, threatening to leave the program without funding for over 7 million Americans.

WIC on the brink of collapse

The WIC program helps families purchase essential foods — from baby formula and milk to fruits, vegetables, and bread. Due to the budget deadlock, it was expected to run out of federal funds this week.

The Trump administration therefore announced a plan to redirect millions of dollars from tariff revenues to prevent an immediate collapse. “President Trump’s White House will not allow mothers and children to go hungry because of Democrats’ political games,” said press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

However, it remains unclear how much money will actually be available, how quickly states will receive it, or even whether this measure is legal.

States struggle as federal support falters

Currently, WIC supports about 7 million Americans, though nearly twice as many qualify. Many states have already begun preparing emergency funding from their own budgets to keep the program running for a few more weeks until Congress resolves the stalemate.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said it could release up to $150 million from its reserve funds to cover the most critical shortfalls. It also urged states to use local resources and infant formula rebate funds to help fill the gaps.

According to Georgia Machell, executive director of the National WIC Association, these temporary fixes only postpone the inevitable:

“Families need stability, not short-term uncertainty. No one yet knows how long this aid will last or how much funding it will truly provide,” she warned.

Critics question legality of the plan

Trump’s decision quickly sparked legal and political concerns. Chris Towner, director of budget policy at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, cautioned:

“The problem isn’t that the government lacks money — it’s that Congress hasn’t authorized them to spend it.”

Experts argue that using tariff revenues to fund social programs could violate federal spending laws, potentially leading to new clashes between the White House and Congress.

Rising demand and inflation pressure

The number of families relying on programs like WIC continues to grow, as inflation drives up the prices of food, baby formula, and basic necessities. Many low-income households now depend on federal aid just to get by.

At the same time, Trump’s 2026 budget proposal includes cuts to fruit and vegetable benefits, which critics say will worsen the situation further.

WIC thus finds itself squeezed between shrinking funding and deep political divisions, both of which could determine its survival.

Summary

Trump’s effort to save WIC with tariff revenues may temporarily ease the crisis but fails to address its root cause. Whether the move will withstand legal scrutiny remains uncertain.

For millions of mothers and children who rely on WIC every day, it’s now a race against time — and hunger.

#TRUMP , #USPolitics , #Tariffs , #Inflation , #economy

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