A Lose-Lose for Food Stamps
The Trump administration's policy changes have led to a significant reduction in SNAP (food stamp) participation, with millions of Americans losing access to benefits. Critics argue these cuts, part of a broader legislative effort to reduce government dependence, are disproportionately impacting children and low-income families.
Why it matters
The reduction in federal food assistance reflects a major shift in social welfare policy that is having measurable impacts on food security for millions of vulnerable citizens.
A looming deadline may force some states to end SNAP next year.
Justin Sullivan / Getty July 30, 2026, 7:23 PM ET Share Save This is an edition of The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here.
Back in April, Brooke Rollins, the agriculture secretary, wrote an op-ed celebrating the Trump administration’s efforts to get Americans off food stamps. Officially known as SNAP, the program has shed an estimated 6 million participants since Donald Trump’s return to office—a shift that Rollins argued could help break a “vicious cycle” of government dependence.
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