In brief
The Trump Administration has announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will no longer publish its annual Household Food Security Report, citing concerns over its accuracy and politicization. The decision comes after President Trump signed legislation that significantly reduces food stamp eligibility for millions, raising concerns among critics about the implications for poverty measurement in the U.S. as the country grapples with economic challenges.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is terminating the federal government’s annual report on hunger in America, stating it had become 'overly politicized' and 'rife with inaccuracies.' This decision follows President Donald Trump's recent legislation that greatly reduces food aid to the impoverished. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the recently passed tax and spending cuts bill will render 3 million individuals ineligible for food stamps, also known as SNAP benefits.The USDA announced on Saturday that the forthcoming 2024 report, set for release on October 22, will be the final edition of the Household Food Security Report. According to the agency, 'The questions used to collect the data are entirely subjective and do not present an accurate picture of actual food security.' They claim that the existing data presents inaccuracies that do not align with the economic improvements experienced during the Trump administration.The Census Bureau recently reported a decrease in the U.S. poverty rate, showcasing a drop from 11% in 2023 to 10.6% before Trump took office. Critics quickly condemned the administration's decision, asserting that it impedes efforts to measure hunger accurately and to assess the effects of their cuts to food stamps. Bobby Kogan from the Center for American Progress suggested that the administration's move reflects a tendency to manipulate reports that yield negative news regarding their policies.
