President Donald Trump made a powerful promise today, vowing to make sure American children in foster care are “never, ever be forgotten.” He said this new focus is based on faith and morality.
The Meaning Behind the Quote
The President used a direct quote from the Bible as the foundation for his promise: “The Bible tells us that one of the measures of any society is how it cares for vulnerable children and orphans.”
This quote refers to the Book of James, which calls for people to care for the “fatherless and the widow.” By using this language, the President is arguing that helping foster children is a moral test for the entire country.
Immediate Backlash: The SNAP Controversy
However, the President’s remarks were met with instant and harsh criticism from political opponents who immediately pointed to his administration’s recent actions regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), often called food stamps.
Just this week, the Trump administration dropped a legal fight at the Supreme Court to stop payments to the SNAP program, which helps feed more than 16 million American children—about one-quarter of all children in the U.S.
Critics called the foster care vow hypocritical:
- California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote: “You literally fought in court to strip families of food assistance.”
- House Minority Whip Katherine Clark wrote: “He literally just defunded food for children this week.”
For weeks during the government shutdown, the administration had intended to freeze funding for the program, warning that the “well had run dry.” Though courts intervened, the situation caused chaos for millions of low-income families.
Why Focus on Foster Care Now?
Despite the criticism, political observers suggest the new focus on foster care is a strategic move. By making a vow about vulnerable children in the U.S., the President attempts to show a compassionate side and a commitment to protecting American citizens, balancing out hardline actions taken in other areas.
With the shutdown ending, the legal fight over SNAP benefits is over, and the USDA has directed states to ensure families receive their full November allotments promptly. But the controversy shows that any future federal actions on foster care will be viewed through the lens of the recent fight over food assistance.
Watch the video below.
