The White House is threatening to shut off SNAP funding to states — again, writes @Erika_D_Smith. Didn't it learn during the shutdown that Americans think that's unfair? (via @opinion) https://t.co/o7FhOskvx3 ...

Political Analysis of Government Shutdown - The Democratic leadership responded to their base's anger towards the Trump administration by engaging in a fight, exemplified by the longest government shutdown in history [1] - The shutdown caused significant disruption in government services, impacting ordinary people [2] - Democrats manipulated the politics of the shutdown, while Republicans played the game on a board where defeat was inevitable [4] - Policy-wise, the Democrats seemingly caved, but politically, it was a zero-sum game where Republicans structured the situation to their disadvantage [5][6] - Republicans faced political damage as people experienced astronomical increases in Obamacare premiums, disproportionately concentrated in red states [7] Trump Administration's Actions and Optics - The Trump administration's rhetoric and actions regarding SNAP funding for 42 million Americans appeared "mustache twirlingly evil," leading to court challenges and negative optics [9][10] - Despite potential negative impacts, the hardcore MAGA voter base remains strongly supportive of President Trump [11] - Many people who depend on government support do not believe they do, highlighting a disconnect in understanding [12][13] - Elections are not won by the MAGA base alone; independent voters are crucial, and the shutdown likely looked bad to them [14] Future Political Landscape - The narrative will likely focus on the fact that 40-day shutdowns only happen under Trump [15] - The continuing resolution extends only through mid-January, suggesting the possibility of another shutdown [16] - The Trump administration chose to maximize the inconvenience of the shutdown, indicating a different political strategy [18]

In an exclusive interview with Meet the Press, Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) pushed back against Democrats’ claims that Republicans are ‘weaponizing hunger’ by withholding SNAP funding, and called on the party to ‘just fix the problem’ by voting to reopen the government. ...

Joining us now, Democratic Congressman from Pennsylvania, Brendan Bole. He's the ranking member on the House Budget Committee. Congressman, so two judges have now ordered the Trump administration to continue SNAP funding, but there's 42 million Americans who could still see a lapse in those benefits, and 39% of them are children.What can Democrats, what can Congress, what can Americans do, if anything, to get the administration to get these funds out faster as ordered. And what is the delay here. Well, than ...

When states spend their own money under our bill, >> under the Democratic bill, >> the Democratic bill, which we invite Republicans to join, it should be bipartisan. We would reimburse states for taxpayer money that's spent to feed kids and families and also the Wick program, which as you know deals with younger children and moms. But I think the important point here, Michael, is neither of these bills should be necessary.>> The administration has the authority and the funds to do it on their own. And the r ...