Trump Uses Tariff Revenue to Keep Montana WIC Program Running During Shutdown

HELENA — Montana’s WIC program will continue serving families through at least November 30th despite the ongoing federal government shutdown, thanks to carryover funds and emergency federal measures, state health officials announced Thursday.

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services reassured the nearly 13,400 women, infants, and children enrolled in the state’s WIC program that services and benefits remain active while officials monitor the federal funding situation.

“We understand that uncertainty can be stressful, and we are committed to keeping you informed and supported,” the department said in an email to local WIC agencies across Montana’s 56 counties and seven tribal reservations.

The Trump administration has moved to sustain the Women, Infants, and Children nutrition program nationwide by authorizing $300 million in tariff revenue to keep benefits flowing during the shutdown. White House officials told congressional staffers they were using unspent tariff revenue from the last fiscal year to maintain the program that serves low-income families.

The funding comes from Section 232 tariffs—trade duties imposed on steel, aluminum, and other imports deemed threats to national security. These tariffs, which Trump reimposed at 25 percent on steel and aluminum in February and doubled to 50 percent in June, generate revenue collected by the government on qualifying imports.

Meanwhile, Senate Democrats this week rejected a House-backed continuing resolution that would have reopened federal agencies through November 21st. All but three Democrats voted against the measure, denying it the 60 votes required for passage in what marked the ninth time they have blocked the GOP funding bill.

Democrats are demanding an extension of health care tax credits in exchange for their support—the same short-term funding extension that virtually all Democrats voted to pass 13 times during the Biden administration.

The ongoing political stalemate affects Montana families who depend on WIC for nutritional support and health services. Only 55% of eligible Montana families currently participate in the program, which operates through 34 local agencies and over 80 clinic sites statewide.

Montana’s WIC program serves families dealing with complex medical needs beyond basic nutrition, including children with conditions such as persistent asthma, cystic fibrosis, and juvenile arthritis. The program provides individualized referrals to medical providers, reinforces healthcare treatment plans, and monitors growth to ensure healthy development.

State officials said they are using available carryover funds to maintain services while closely monitoring federal guidance. The department emphasized that WIC benefits, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support continue without interruption through the end of November.

“WIC services and benefits remain active,” officials confirmed. “We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as soon as new information becomes available.”

The uncertainty comes as Montana WIC staff complete mandatory federal time studies during October, tracking hours spent on nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion, client services, and general administration—federal requirements that continue despite the shutdown.