Trump authorizes tariff revenue to fund WIC during government shutdown

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday that President Donald Trump has authorized a plan to use tariff revenues to sustain the WIC feeding program during the government shutdown and has promised that the administration “will not let mothers and children go hungry.”

One Publish on XLeavitt accused Democrats of “ruthlessly voting to shut down the government” and said their actions caused the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to run out of funds this week.

Leavitt added that Trump instructed officials to use Section 232 tariff revenues to maintain WIC.

The White House confirmed to Fox News that the plan was a short-term “creative solution” developed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

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“The Trump White House will not allow poor mothers and their babies to go hungry because of Democrats’ political games,” Leavitt said in a statement.

It has not yet been announced how much customs duty money will be used, but it is expected to cover the costs “for the foreseeable future.” The program was expected to run out of funds within a few weeks.

WIC provides healthy food, breastfeeding assistance and nutrition education vouchers to nearly 6 million low-income women and children nationwide.

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Tariff revenue will cover the costs of WIC, or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, while the government shutdown continues. (iStock)

The federal government spent more than $7 billion It will be in the program through fiscal year 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Democrats have criticized Republicans in past budget fights over WIC eligibility and funding levels, while Republicans blame Democratic resistance to spending restrictions for fueling the current shutdown.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks at a news conference at the White House in Washington, D.C. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

The White House did not say how long the tariff funds would last or whether another contribution would be necessary if Congress becomes deadlocked.

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An official told Axios that the transfer was a temporary solution to protect vulnerable families while negotiations continued.

The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s/FOX Business’ request for comment.