The Trump administration has announced plans to utilize tariff revenue to sustain the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) food assistance program amid the ongoing government shutdown. This initiative comes as funding for WIC—critical for nearly 7 million pregnant women, new mothers, and young children—is on the verge of depletion.
Background on WIC Funding
The WIC program, officially the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, helps eligible families purchase essential food items. These include infant formula, baby food, and nutritious staples like fruits and vegetables. The fiscal year 2026, which began on October 1, 2025, has left the program’s funding vulnerable due to the lack of a federal spending package approved by Congress.
Current Financial Situation
The National WIC Association has warned that the program might run out of funds within weeks. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted the situation, attributing the funding crisis to government shutdowns instigated by Democratic lawmakers. She referred to the use of Section 232 tariff revenues as a “creative solution” to this urgency.
- WIC aids approximately 7 million individuals.
- Current budget challenges arise due to a lack of congressional approval for ongoing funding.
- The National WIC Association has called for long-term funding stability amidst uncertainties.
Legal and Legislative Implications
Experts have raised questions regarding the legality of directing tariff funds to the WIC program, noting that Congress has not authorized this expenditure. Chris Towner, policy director at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, emphasized that the funding is not the issue—rather, it is the absence of legislative permission to utilize those funds.
Political Reactions
House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Democratic leaders, claiming their actions in Congress have detrimental effects on programs like WIC. He stated that the shutdown has directly impeded operational funding for essential assistance programs.
Tariff Revenue Insights
President Trump’s trade policies have introduced tariffs across various sectors, claiming benefits for domestic manufacturing and national security. In 2023, tariff collections reached an impressive $190 billion. Section 232 tariffs, associated with national security, target products such as aluminum and steel.
Impacts on Future Funding
In light of the government shutdown, WIC enrollees have been warned about potential shortfalls in funding. The USDA indicated plans to allocate up to $150 million in contingency funds for states affected by the funding lapse. However, the long-term sustainability of the program is a concern, particularly as inflation continues to strain low-income families.
- WIC funding for fiscal year 2025 was approximately $7.6 billion.
- The Senate’s version of the full-year spending bill proposes $8.2 billion for fiscal year 2026.
- Participation in WIC has seen a rise, hitting nearly 6.9 million in May.
Advocates emphasize that additional funds are necessary for ensuring no eligible family is turned away or forced to reduce their benefits in the future. As the government shutdown persists, ongoing discussions around WIC funding and its management will remain a critical focus for lawmakers and advocates alike.
