Trump Administration Diverts Tariff Revenue to Sustain WIC Program Amid Government Shutdown

Amid an ongoing government shutdown, the Trump administration announced it would keep the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) running by diverting tariff revenues to cover shortfalls.

“As the federal government shutdown stretches into its second week, the Trump administration announced on Tuesday a plan to redirect revenue from Section 232 tariffs to maintain funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, known as WIC”

The Virgin Islands Consortium

The administration framed this move as a “creative solution” to protect benefits for roughly 6–7 million mothers and children.

The Virgin Islands Consortium

Multiple outlets report the plan involves Section 232 tariff revenues, but CNN explicitly notes the White House corrected itself to say it would rely on Section 32 funds instead of Section 232.

Fox-affiliated coverage emphasizes the lack of disclosed details on amounts or timing of the funding.

Western mainstream sources highlight the program's scale and urgency, with some noting the shutdown has already pushed WIC near exhaustion.

Other outlets simply stress that the stopgap aims to prevent immediate benefit lapses as negotiations stall.

Legal and constitutional questions dominate much of the coverage.

Western mainstream and alternative outlets warn that redirecting tariff revenues without congressional approval could breach the separation of powers.

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The Independent says the move may amount to the president making his own tax and spending policies.

Truthout stresses that the Constitution grants Congress the power over federal spending.

CNN notes budget experts questioning whether the executive can spend tariff proceeds absent appropriation.

Other outlets add that such transfers are unusual.

The Virgin Islands Consortium reports tariff revenue transfers are typically reserved for defense or trade enforcement under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.

Fingerlakes1 highlights the risk of lawsuits challenging the plan’s constitutionality.

Coverage details the immediate strain on WIC and how states are bracing to keep families fed.

“Photo:Andrii Dodonov / iStock / Getty Images The White House announced Tuesday (October 7) that it willredirect tariff revenue to fund the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)amid the ongoing government shutdown”

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Truthout reports WIC supports about 7 million people and had only $150 million left—enough for one to two weeks.

Newsweek says the $150 million contingency fund is nearly depleted for about 6 million recipients.

Local and regional outlets describe stopgaps to address the shortfall.

CT Mirror reports Connecticut will temporarily use state funds to continue benefits.

The Virgin Islands Consortium notes states like Connecticut have pledged to cover shortfalls pending federal replenishment.

Others, like 13newsnow, emphasize that the White House plan aims to prevent an immediate lapse for roughly 6.7 million people.

The shutdown politics and blame game feature prominently in recent reports.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised President Trump for a “creative solution” and blamed Democrats for the shutdown.

NewsBreak

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Trump and Republicans of causing the shutdown.

Newsweek highlights the paradox of Republicans controlling both Congress and the White House while blaming Democrats.

CNN notes GOP criticism of Democrats for the disruption of the program.

LiveNOW from FOX reports that Democrats are holding firm on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies as part of funding talks.

Fingerlakes1 mentions that some GOP proposals seek cuts to WIC benefits, increasing the political stakes around the program.

Significant uncertainty remains over execution, scope, and durability.

“Trading Please use a PC Browser to access Register-Tadawul Trump Administration To Use Tariff Revenues To Fund Nutrition Program For Mothers And Babies Amid Shutdown Share White House Press SecretaryKaroline Leavittconfirmed on Tuesday that the Trump administration plans to use tariff revenues to support a key nutrition program for low-income mothers and babies amid the government shutdown”

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CNN and NewsBreak both note the National WIC Association’s concern about the lack of detail on the amount, timing, and duration of any transfer.

Sahm

LiveNOW from FOX reports the White House offered no specifics on how the funding would work.

The Virgin Islands Consortium says the White House has not specified the amount or timeline, with lawmakers raising concerns.

For scale, Букви highlights that Section 232 tariffs have generated nearly tens of billions of dollars in FY2025.

Some outlets continue to question whether Section 32 or Section 232 is actually being tapped—an ambiguity reflected across coverage.