Trump authorizes tariff revenues to fund WIC during government shutdown
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White House press secretary Carolyn Leavitt said Tuesday that President Donald Trump has authorized a plan to use tariff revenues to keep the WIC nutrition program running during the government shutdown, meaning the administration “will not let mothers and children go hungry.”
in After on xLeavitt accused Democrats of “voting harshly 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 money this week.
Levitt added that Trump has directed officials to pressure Section 232 tariff revenues to maintain WIC.
The White House confirmed to Fox News that the plan is a short-term “creative solution” developed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
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White House press secretary Carolyn Leavitt speaks during a news conference at the White House on Monday. (AP Photo)
“The Trump White House will not allow poor mothers and their children to go hungry because of Democrats’ political games,” Leavitt said in a statement.
The amount of tariff money has not yet been revealed, but the leak is expected to cover the costs “for the foreseeable future.” The program was expected to exhaust its funds within weeks.
WIC provides vouchers for healthy food, breastfeeding assistance, and nutrition education to about 6 million low-income women and children nationwide.
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Tariff revenue will cover the costs of WIC, also known as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, as the government shutdown continues. (iStock)
The federal government ruled More than $7 billion In the program through fiscal year 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Democrats have criticized Republicans in previous budget fights over WIC eligibility and funding levels, while Republicans blame Democratic resistance to spending restrictions for fueling the current shutdown.
White House Press Secretary Carolyn Leavitt speaks during a news conference at the White House in Washington, DC (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)
The White House has not said how long the tariff funds will last or whether another infusion will be needed if Congress remains gridlocked.
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The official described the transfer to Axios as a temporary solution to protect vulnerable families while negotiations continue.
The White House did not immediately respond to a Fox News Digital/Fox Business request for comment.