The horror of Donald Trump's America [View all]

The horror of Donald Trump’s America
With SNAP benefits set to lapse, it's all tricks and no treats from Trump and MAGA

By Brian Karem
White House columnist
Published October 31, 2025 9:00AM (EDT)


(Salon) Happy Halloween. The government shutdown is now about to enter its second month.

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No matter how sincere we are, Trump has no plans to help anyone but himself. On Saturday, the first time in history, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin withholding payments under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), blaming the ongoing government shutdown.

Some 42 million Americans — roughly 12% of the population — could go hungry. As a result, 25 states and the District of Columbia have filed suit, accusing the Trump administration of acting unlawfully in withholding food benefits. The White House has responded by saying that it can’t legally help hungry people. But it can certainly get private donations to build a $300 million ballroom.

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On a Thursday flight out of South Korea riddled with air turbulence, Trump gaggled with reporters on Air Force One and talked about Ukraine, soy beans, fentanyl, tariffs, shipping fees, nuclear weapons testing and computer chips.

Not one word was said about the government shutdown. Not one question was asked about SNAP benefits. He said more about the air turbulence than about the issues confronting most Americans. “The skies are a little rough up here,” he remarked with a wry smile, before mentioning that people will think he’s not in good health — but it was really the turbulence causing the problem. ......................(more)

https://www.salon.com/2025/10/31/the-horror-of-donald-trumps-america/