Republican strategist Lindy Li compared the 16 million children poised to lose food assistance on Saturday to “socialist beasts” during an appearance on Newsmax on Friday.
The ongoing government shutdown – sparked by a disagreement over the extension of government health care subsidies – has disrupted a number of federal programs, among them the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which provides food assistance to around 42 million Americans, including 16 million children.
Once a self-proclaimed “tree-hugging progressive” but now a fierce defender of President Donald Trump, Li pushed back on concerns over the millions of children that may go hungry amid the disruption, and one that the Trump administration could address using stopgap funds but has refused to do so.
“President Trump isn't starving kids – he's starving socialist beasts,” Li said. “He's starving the handouts for millions of illegal aliens; why are we putting them first when we have so many Americans suffering on the streets? Why are we prioritizing illegals? That is a question that Democrats need to answer.”
Li herself likely never received SNAP benefits as she came from what appears to be a wealthy family; her father was a real estate agent and a property manager, and she attended The Agnes Irwin School, a private K-12 school for girls with a tuition of $47,650 per academic year for 9th-12th graders.
As for the total number of SNAP recipients – 42 million – Li questioned that they were even eligible for the program, but for those that were, suggested that they “start making better choices” so that they didn’t “have to rely on the government.” She also spent a considerable amount of time praising Trump for his busy schedule, telling Newsmax that the president fills her “with adrenaline.”
“I'm less than half of President Trump's age, and I just want to say he puts me to shame, I'm embarrassed!” Li said. “Whenever I get tired and I get deflated, I think of his schedule and I am filled with adrenaline because he inspires me to reach my greatest potential… I don't know how he does it, it's super human strength!”
GOP strategist @lindyli repeats claim in telling the 42 million Americans about to lose food assistance to make ‘better choices’
"President Trump isn't starving kids – he's starving socialist beasts."
Li went to a private K-12 school that has a tuition of $47,650. pic.twitter.com/F8w31SYSRV
— Alexander Willis (@ReporterWillis) October 31, 2025