Hakeem Jeffries Slams GOP for “Weaponizing Hunger” as Government Shutdown Threatens Food Aid

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries blasted Republicans on Monday for what he called a “shameful display of misplaced priorities,” accusing them of “weaponizing hunger” during the ongoing 29-day government shutdown that threatens food assistance for millions of Americans.

In a fiery address shared by journalist Aaron Rupar on X (formerly Twitter), Jeffries criticized House Republicans for putting Donald Trump’s political influence ahead of the nation’s basic needs. “Republicans have decided to follow Trump’s orders rather than help families put food on the table,” Jeffries said.

The Democratic leader pointed to federal court rulings that mandated emergency funding to secure SNAP benefits for November, which millions of low-income households rely on. Despite the urgency, Jeffries noted, House Republicans have canceled votes for six straight weeks, effectively halting progress on legislation that could restore nutrition programs and healthcare subsidies.

“While working families are wondering how they’ll feed their children, Republicans are on recess — and Donald Trump is golfing,” Jeffries said, calling it a clear sign of “political loyalty over public service.”

The shutdown has left millions at risk of losing access to food assistance, with GOP-led states like West Virginia and Mississippi among the hardest hit. Advocates warn that delays in SNAP funding could lead to widespread hunger and economic strain in communities already struggling with poverty and job insecurity.

Jeffries’ remarks come as tensions rise on Capitol Hill, where both parties remain deadlocked over funding bills to reopen the government. The Biden administration has urged swift congressional action to avoid further disruption to essential programs, while Republicans have tied their support to a list of partisan policy demands.

“America deserves better than this,” Jeffries said. “We need to reopen the government, restore benefits, and stop holding hungry children hostage to political games.”

The sharp rebuke underscores a growing frustration among Democrats as the shutdown drags on with no clear resolution in sight — and millions of families waiting for help that may not come soon enough.

Watch the full video of Hakeem Jeffries’ remarks on FOX News.

Jeffries: "All Republicans care about it the opinion of one man — the puppet master of the Republican Party, Donald J Trump. They don't care about anything else. How else can you explain the fact that they are weaponizing hunger?" pic.twitter.com/tlzjheC9ai

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 3, 2025

Sandra Williams

Sandra is a science enthusiast and a researcher by nature. Her articles are informative and eloquent in equal measures, and always include knowledge that is verified by authentic sources. She is a maven at health related sciences and takes an interest in new scientific findings from all facets of the subject. Her column is a ready reckoner on all that is going on in the world of scientific study, and health sciences, including disease outbreaks, their causes, and prevention measures being taken.