As the federal government shutdown continues, millions of Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are facing potentially devastating cuts to their food assistance benefits — and it's sent anti-Donald Trump passion to new levels.
Taras Stratelak, a retiree in southern California, embodied the widespread anxiety, telling The Guardian, "I am housebound because I need a couple of spinal cord surgeries so this is really gonna hurt me because I cannot work, and thereby earn money to put food on the table."
Referencing common Republican rhetoric about federal aid, he wryly added, "I guess I'm lazy, or maybe I'm waste, fraud and abuse."
The Trump White House announced it would not fund SNAP as the government shutdown reached its second month, despite emergency funds being available. It agreed to just partial funding after two judges ordered its reinstatement.
Betty Standridge, a Wisconsin resident, highlighted the immediate impact. "Losing my SNAP benefits means I will not be able to replenish my food for the month, therefore I will do without things like fresh produce, milk, eggs."
Donna Lynn, a disabled veteran, described the impossible choices she'll face: "It comes down to paying for my medications and my bills or buying food for myself and for my animals. So I pay for my medications and bills and get what food I can for my animals, and if I have money left over, then I will eat.
"This is how the government treats their veterans – it's very sad."
Some recipients expressed deep frustration with political maneuvering surrounding the shutdown, and the sense that essential aid such as SNAP was being used as a pressure tool. Sandra, a Milwaukee retiree, feared this was part of a larger strategy, saying, "My sense is Trump will try to make SNAP benefits permanently end during the shutdown. I'm dumbfounded by the cruelty."
Steven from Wisconsin painted a stark picture of his reduced circumstances: "I've already reduced my intake since before SNAP was cut. Now it means no milk, no eggs, no vegetables, and definitely no meat." He dramatically compared the situation to a historical battle, calling it "like the siege of Stalingrad, but from your own government."
The most visceral response came from Bill, a 71-year-old from Grand Rapids, who colorfully expressed his anger: "How do I feel about it? I curse Donald Trump and his entire party of sycophants and lickspittles to the seven[th] circle of hell, now and for all time."
An NBC News poll underscores the public perception, with 52% blaming Trump and his allies for the shutdown, compared to 42% who fault the Democrats.