NOVEMBER 2025
November 1st
On day 32 of the longest federal shut down under President Trump, It is announced Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November will not be send out due to the government shutdown. This raised a number of concerns for many families across the nation, especially as the holidays approach. The following day there was a promise of partial payments, still leading to uncertainty of how people (including children, disabled, and elderly) would access food until the shutdown ends.
An ongoing issue since January, the Trump administration has continuously removed data from various government sources. This data is mainly related to climate data, public health, and social & equity data. Numerous datasets were scrubbed and/or altered from these sites, limiting the publics access to vital information.
Mid November
The Impact ..
POTENTIAL SNAP CUTS
Although this was only a proposal, the mere fact that it was considered reveals a disregard for laws designed to protect communities. SNAP had reserve funds available that the administration deliberately chose not to release. Even entertaining cuts to SNAP—despite fully understanding the consequences—demonstrates a troubling lack of concern for vulnerable populations. This underscores how quickly lives can be upended by a single harmful decision.
Higher Rates of Food Insecurity
Black and Native American communities face higher rates of food insecurity compared to the national average. Cuts to SNAP would exacerbate existing disparities, making it even more challenging for these communities to access sufficient, nutritious food.
In summary, potential cuts to SNAP would have serious repercussions for Black Americans and Native Americans, perpetuating cycles of poverty and food insecurity, exacerbating health disparities, and undermining community resilience. It is critical to advocate for the protection and enhancement of SNAP benefits to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their racial or ethnic background, have access to nutritious food and the ability to thrive.
DATA ERASURE
The Trump Administration has purged more than 8,000 government web pages and 3,000 datasets, including climate data, public health, and social & equity data.
The most impact has been seen on The Center for Disease Control (CDC), with over 3,000 pages altered or removed, the Census Bureau with around 3,000, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Office of Justice Programs.
Below, you will find the implications of reducing and eliminating federal data collection, particularly as it relates to addressing disparities among vunerable populations.
INFORMED POLICY DECISIONS
Federal data provides crucial insights into trends and disparities among different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Without this data, policymakers lack the evidence needed to create effective interventions aimed at reducing disparities.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Data provides a means to hold entities accountable. When data is missing, it reduces transparency, making it difficult to identify and address issues of inequality and injustice.
MONITORING PROGRESS
Data is essential for tracking progress. When data is erased or reduced, it becomes challenging to assess the effectiveness of programs designed to improve outcomes, hindering the ability to adapt strategies as necessary.
PUBLIC AWARENESS
Data helps raise awareness to the general public and stakeholders. Without visibility into these disparities, there is less public pressure to address them, which can perpetuate systemic inequalities
RESOURCE ALLOCATION
Effective allocation of resources to the communities in need is dependent on accurate data. Without comprehensive data, organizations and governments may misallocate resources, failing to address the areas with the greatest need appropriately.