Over 2 Million Americans Expected to Lose SNAP Benefits Under Trump Work Rules

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 2.4 million Americans could lose access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to new work requirements introduced under President Donald Trump's 2025 tax and spending law. This legislation extends work, volunteer, or job training mandates—previously applied only to certain able-bodied adults without children—to parents with children aged 14 and older, requiring at least 80 hours of activity per month to maintain eligibility. Additionally, the law removes exemptions for veterans, who will now also need to meet these work requirements starting in 2026, raising concerns about increased hunger among veterans facing employment and housing challenges. The CBO also reports that while middle-income households may see some income gains, the poorest 10% of Americans are projected to lose about $1,200 annually due to cuts in programs like Medicaid and food assistance, whereas the wealthiest 10% will benefit significantly from tax cuts. Critics argue these measures disproportionately harm low-income and vulnerable populations, while supporters claim the changes are necessary to prevent program abuse. Overall, the law is expected to reduce government aid to millions, prompting a debate over its impact on economic inequality and public health.