The reduction in SNAP participation is part of President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” reconciliation act, enacted in 2025. Since that time, SNAP participation is down 11% or more than 4.5 million Americans. During the original 1939-1943 Food Stamp Program, peak participation of 4 million represented about 3% of the U.S. population. Food stamp spending and participation growth over eight decades has been facilitated by Democrats and Republicans alike. Despite current rhetoric, history makes clear that both parties share responsibility for where we are and where we’re going on the food stamp question.