Pritzker slams Trump, GOP over threat to SNAP benefits amid federal shutdown

CHICAGO (WTVO) — Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday sharply criticized President Donald Trump, accusing him and congressional Republicans of jeopardizing food assistance for nearly 1.9 million Illinoisans as the federal government shutdown stretches into its third week.

The governor’s remarks came after the Illinois Department of Human Services warned that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could lose federal funding starting Nov. 1 if Congress fails to reach a deal to reopen the government.

“Working families across Illinois are about to go without food assistance because Trump and Congressional Republicans want to score political points and refuse to reach a deal,” Pritzker said in a statement. “Nearly two million Illinoisans rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table, including households with children, older adults, and people with disabilities.”

Pritzker also criticized federal spending priorities during the shutdown, questioning why funding continues for law enforcement operations while basic needs go unmet.

“They can find the money to pay masked federal agents wreaking havoc in our communities but not help people in need put food on the table,” he said.

The governor warned that the impact of a SNAP funding lapse would ripple through the state’s economy, affecting grocery stores, employees, and local businesses.

“This doesn’t just impact families — it hurts grocers, it hurts employees, and it hurts local economies,” he said.

SNAP, which is federally funded, provides monthly food assistance to low-income individuals and families. In Illinois, nearly one in seven residents rely on the program.

“One child going hungry in America is one too many — this used to be a value we could all agree upon,” Pritzker said. “The Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans need to do their damn job and start delivering for the American people. Enough is enough.”

Congress has until the end of October to pass a funding resolution before SNAP and other federally supported programs face suspension.