Democrats Say Trump Took Food From Children, Seniors and People With Disabilities as SNAP Enrollment Falls by 5 Million

Under the Trump administration, SNAP (food stamp) enrollment decreased by over 5 million people, coinciding with private-sector job growth and falling unemployment. Expanded work requirements were implemented, leading to mixed reactions from Democrats who criticized the policy as harmful to vulnerable populations, while the administration viewed the decline as a success attributed to a stronger economy and fraud reduction.

• SNAP enrollment fell from 42.2 million to 36.6 million people between May 2025 and May 2026.
• President Trump signed legislation expanding SNAP work requirements in July 2025.
• Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins called the decline a “pretty big win,” attributing it to a stronger economy and removal of ineligible recipients.
• The decline in SNAP enrollment coincided with private-sector job growth and a decrease in unemployment.
• The USDA pursued fraud in the program, making over 900 arrests.
• Democrats, including Rep. Angie Craig, criticized the policy, stating it took food away from vulnerable Americans.
• New work requirements mandate recipients work, volunteer, or train for at least 80 hours a month, with limitations on benefits for non-compliance.
• The law expanded the age range for work requirements and removed exemptions for certain groups.
• Child enrollment in SNAP also decreased, though figures are disputed.
• States with higher payment error rates will share SNAP benefit costs starting in October 2027.