Rep. Pressley Slams Trump Administration's 'Cruel' Push for SNAP Work Requirements Amid Shutdown

Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass. (Mariam Zuhaib, File/AP Photo) Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) forcefully criticized the Trump admini...

Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass. (Mariam Zuhaib, File/AP Photo)

Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) forcefully criticized the Trump administration in a recent interview, branding it as "cruel" for advocating for work requirements for individuals receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (food stamps).

Speaking on MSNBC's "The Weekend: Primetime," Pressley addressed the ongoing government shutdown—triggered by a failure to agree on a continuing resolution—and the larger debate surrounding public assistance programs.

After a clip was shown of Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins discussing the Trump administration's plans for food stamp reform, Pressley launched her attack. "First and foremost, this is the most corrupt administration in history," Pressley stated. "And then they're cruel enough to create work requirements for hungry people to get SNAP."

The debate over work requirements has been a flashpoint, especially after the House GOP, in May, included billions in cuts to food stamps and proposed more stringent work requirements for the nutrition program as part of its policy priorities.

Pressley also drew a sharp contrast between the push for work requirements for beneficiaries and the actions of Congress members during the shutdown. She condemned Republican lawmakers, claiming, "for the last month, they have not shown up for work, and they've been on a taxpayer-funded vacation. It's just shameful."

In response to Pressley’s comments, a White House spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the President is willing to reopen the government immediately, but Democrats have refused to compromise. "Hardworking Americans are missing out on paychecks and benefits because Democrats have refused to reopen the government," the spokesperson said, while defending the administration's efforts to fund programs like WIC and pay the troops despite the impasse.