Trump redirects tariff funds to sustain WIC benefits during government shutdown

White House Moves Tariff Revenue to Keep WIC Funding Afloat

• Administration redirects tariff revenue to sustain WIC during the shutdown
• Move framed as a short-term, creative solution to protect vulnerable families
• Democrats blamed for the shutdown’s impact on nutrition benefits

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Tuesday that President Donald Trump has authorized a plan to use tariff revenue to keep the WIC nutrition program running during the government shutdown. She vowed the administration “will not allow mothers and children to go hungry.” The decision was presented as an immediate step to prevent gaps in benefits for low-income families.

In a , Leavitt accused Democrats of “cruelly voting to shut down the government,” saying their actions forced the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, or WIC, to run out of funds this week. She added that Trump had directed officials to tap Section 232 tariff revenue to sustain WIC. The White House described the move as a short-term “creative solution” developed by the Office of Management and Budget.

TRUMP’S WEEK IN REVIEW: SHUTDOWN SHOWDOWNS AND ARMED CARTEL CONFLICT was highlighted alongside the announcement to frame the administration’s broader agenda. “The Trump White House will not allow impoverished mothers and their babies to go hungry because of the Democrats’ political games,” Leavitt said in a statement. Officials say the transfer is temporary while negotiations are ongoing.

How much tariff money will be used has not been disclosed, but the infusion is expected to cover costs “for the foreseeable future.” The program had been projected to exhaust its funds within weeks, so the move aims to bridge that gap immediately. An official described the transfer to Axios as a temporary fix to protect vulnerable families while talks continue.

WIC provides vouchers for healthy food, breastfeeding assistance and nutrition education to roughly 6 million low-income women and children nationwide. The federal government spent more than $7 billion on the program during fiscal 2024, according to the USDA. The White House has not said how long tariff funds will last or whether another infusion will be needed if Congress remains deadlocked.

Republicans cast the move as a necessary, compassionate stopgap that protects children while holding firm on long-term spending priorities. Democrats have criticized Republicans in past budget fights over WIC eligibility and funding levels, while Republicans blame Democrat resistance to spending restraints for fueling the current shutdown. The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s/FOX Business’ request for comment, and it remains unclear how this reshuffling will play out politically as budget talks continue.