Across the country, grocery shelves are stocked, but millions of families are struggling to fill their pantries. As the government shutdown continues, workers are furloughed, SNAP benefits have dried up, and healthcare costs continue to rise. Unfortunately, 1.4 million federal employees are on unpaid leave or working without pay, which means 1.4 million people have to figure out how they’re going to pay rent or put food on the table for their family.
While workers aren’t getting paid, another crisis brews. SNAP benefits ran out Nov. 1, and Vice President JD Vance called it “absurd" when a federal judge ruled the White House had to provide emergency funding. It’s absurd that SNAP benefits expire when the top .1% of the population hoards over 23 trillion dollars.
The pressure is snowballing. Ironically, increased food insecurity might be hitting Trump's voter base the hardest. Counties that saw the largest increases in food stamps since 2010 voted overwhelmingly for Trump in 2020. In 2020, Trump-leaning counties were more likely to be reliant on food stamps despite his statements and policies to cut SNAP during his campaign. Now, they are feeling the piercing needle of his administrative policies.
Moreover, Trump promised “When I win, I will immediately bring prices down, starting on Day One," yet grocery prices have risen 2.7% and millions don’t have SNAP benefits right now. Meanwhile, Democrats are reluctant to sign Republican budget proposals that would slash health care subsidies which would result in an average 18% increase to insurance premiums.
The accumulation of unpopular stances being formulated by the Trump administration (specifically within the government shutdown) has possibly aided in changing the tide for the Democrats. A recent survey found that 67% of Democrat voters were unhappy with their party, yet this past week, the Democratic party has seen major wins and have exceeded expectations in the 2025 elections.
After years of being divided, voters may not be rallying behind the Democratic Party, but instead uniting against cruelty disguised within policy. Last week’s elections, including in New York City, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Virginia and California, have all been major wins for Democrats. But uncertainty remains surrounding the Democratic Party regarding corporate lobbying, establishment Democrats and aging politicians. However, this government shutdown has made one thing abundantly clear: The real cost of political theater is paid by the people watching it.
JP Dishinger is a 19-year-old Santa Fe College business administration sophomore and the student body president of Santa Fe.
